Centralized Management of the Covid-19 Pandemic in Long-Term Care Facilities in Israel

Covid-19 was first diagnosed in Israel in late February 2020. During the first month following the outbreak, it became clear that the most severe outcomes were occurring in the Long-Term Care Facilities (LTCFs) and that the fragmented supervision of these facilities was a key weakness in the fight against the pandemic. It was therefore decided to establish the Fathers and Mothers Shield taskforce, which included representatives from all of the relevant government ministries and which would facilitate communication and consultation with the representatives of the LTCFs and with the relevant public sector organizations. We analyse three main policy measures implemented by the taskforce in the effort to mitigate the effects of the pandemic in the LTCFs: an increase in SARS-CoV-2 testing of LTCF residents and employees; the opening of specialized Corona wards in geriatric hospitals and LTCFs; and the regulation of family visits. The introduction of centralized management of the pandemic in the LTCFs achieved a number of important outcomes and is considered to have been highly successful. The share of the LTCFs within total Covid-19 mortality dropped from 45% to 36%, and the load on general hospitals became more manageable. With the arrival of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, the taskforce viewed priority vaccination of the LTCF population as its main goal in early 2021

An analysis of the COVID-19 vaccination campaigns in France, Israel, Italy and Spain and their impact on health and economic outcomes

Objectives: This paper presents an overview of the vaccination campaigns in France, Israel, Italy and Spain during the first eleven months from the first COVID-19 vaccine approval (Dec 2020 - Nov 2021). These four countries were chosen as they share similar socioeconomic, and epidemiological profiles and adopted similar vaccination strategies.Methods: A rapid review of available primary data from each country was conducted. Data were collected from official government documents whenever possible, supplemented by information from international databases and local reports. The data were analysed via descriptive and graphical analysis to identify common patterns as well as significant divergences in the structural changes of countries’ healthcare systems during the pandemic, outcomes of the vaccination roll-out, and their impact on contextual policies.Results: The four countries adopted similar interventions to protect and strengthen their healthcare systems. The effective coordination between the governance levels, ability to ensure a large supply of doses, and trust towards health authorities were among the determinants for more successful vaccination outcomes. The analysis reports a positive impact of the COVID-19 vaccines on epidemiological, political and economic outcomes. We observed some evidence of a negative association between increased vaccine coverage and fatalities and hospitalisation trends.Conclusions: The strengths and weaknesses of COVID-19 pandemic crisis management along with the various strategies surrounding the vaccination roll-out campaigns may yield lessons for policymakers amid such decisions, including for future pandemics

LTCcovid International living report on COVID-19 and long-term care

This “live report” has been compiled collaboratively by researchers on Long-Term Care all over the world. It aims to: Provide an overview of Long-Term Care systems around the world Assess how the people who use and provide long-term care have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic Describe the measures adopted to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic in the long-term care sector Compile actions and reforms that countries are adopting to strengthen their care systems and be better prepared for future pandemics and shocks. This report does not seek to provide detailed or comprehensive information for each country, but instead aims to summarize key reports and articles and point the reader towards those. It builds on the country reports previously published in this website, as well as other more recent sources. It is being developed collaboratively, by answering a list of questions for as many countries as possible and updating as new information and research become available