The Multi-Ministry Taskforce allows small group activities for senior-centric programmes.

The Multi-Ministry Taskforce (MTF) will open up more senior-centric activities from September 9, 2020, as community infection rates have remained generally low and stable. As more activities resume, seniors are urged to remain vigilant, conscientiously practise hand hygiene and safe distancing, and to continue to keep to a small regular circle of contacts when going out.

Small group activities of up to five pax may resume for senior-centric programmes organised by the People’s Association, Health Promotion Board, Sport Singapore, and the Council for Third Age. Activities such as board games and group exercise classes will also be allowed to resume in eldercare facilities such as nursing homes, senior care centres, active ageing hubs, senior activity centres, and Community Resource, Engagement and Support Team (CREST) centres.

At the start of Phase Two, the Taskforce had limited activities in such settings to only those that can be done individually so as to keep interactions low. It said: “Nevertheless, group activities are an integral part of senior-centric programmes as they help address psychosocial needs and contribute to better health outcomes.”

Also, on September 9, outreach by Silver Generation Ambassadors, senior activity centres, CREST and diabetes outreach activities will resume with safe distancing measures in place. “While health and social care services are available, some seniors may not know where to seek help and may have deferred accessing community care services. This would affect their health if the deferment is prolonged. We will resume outreach programmes to ensure we can proactively engage seniors with care needs and render assistance in a timely manner.”

During this COVID-19 pandemic, some seniors may be hesitant to go for medical appointments for fear of being exposed to COVID-19 at healthcare institutions or care facilities. To avoid potential deterioration of their medical conditions and allow for timely attention to other health needs, seniors are urged to continue to attend their medical appointments. Healthcare providers would have put in place the necessary precautions for patients to access services and receive treatments safely. Older patients in need of assistance may reach out to their respective public healthcare institutions or contact the AIC Hotline at 1800-650-6060.