Currently, the focus of all authorities and administrations is on preventing the spread of coronavirus infection, including protecting the most vulnerable category – the elderly over 60 years of age. All nuances of organising the life support for incapacitated residents of the region were discussed at a regional seminar held via video conference with the participation of representatives from districts and cities. Aleksandr Khristoforov, Chairman of the Committee for Labour, Employment and Social Protection of the Regional Executive Committee, outlined in a telegraphic style the essence of the changes that have been introduced into the usual system of work. Needy elderly people and disabled individuals are served through territorial centres, and they are also accommodated in boarding houses. The latter have introduced quarantine with a ban on visits and deliveries.

The health status of employees working in these institutions is now being monitored with particular care. Aleksandr Nikolaevich ordered that the same approach be extended to 24-hour residential care units subordinate to district executive committees, and to territorial centres for social services. The algorithm of actions for their employees is known and must be strictly adhered to. The sanitary service monitors compliance with the requirements.

Since about half of the 18,000 lonely and single-person households in the region are not served by social services, assistance with the delivery of necessities is being organised everywhere for them during the period of infection threat. To avoid risks, the elderly themselves are strongly advised to stay at home, not to go to shops, pharmacies, or other crowded places where undesirable contacts are possible. This is being done for the people; if necessary, a healthcare professional and a social assistant will visit them at home.

How will the assistance mechanism for the elderly with limited mobility operate? It is necessary to maintain contact with your territorial centre by phone. For this purpose, two numbers have been allocated for each centre; they are listed on the websites and in newspapers. All potential clients will be regularly called to collect information. Telephone duty is maintained without days off or lunch breaks, from 9:00 to 18:00.

The fulfilment of requests for the delivery of food and medicines is primarily organised using internal resources. These include social workers and those temporarily free from conducting clubs, classes in workrooms, and groups. If the volume of requests increases, partners will be involved – the Belarusian Red Cross Society and the Belarusian Republican Youth Union, who are preparing their volunteers for responsible work during these days. The larger and smaller details of the process related to their participation have also been agreed upon.

The core of this effort is the self-monitoring of volunteers' health, provision of personal protective equipment, and clear communication with the elderly about the situation to offer them psychological support and strengthen their sense of security during this challenging period.

Incidentally, as noted by Halina Zhelanova, Chairperson of the regional organisation of the Belarusian Red Cross Society, volunteers will be insured, provided with personal protective equipment and antiseptics to fulfil their mission. These have already been received by the mercy nurses who serve 213 Red Cross beneficiaries under social contracts.

The seminar also focused on the application and observance of labour law regulations during a period close to force majeure. This includes granting social leave without pay, processing potential downtime, suspension from work if symptoms of viral infection are present, and many other aspects. It is important to adhere to the letter of the law in all matters and protect people to navigate this difficult period without major disruptions.