The Santos Dumont Institute (ISD) has decided to maintain the measures to combat the Covid-19 pandemic that had been announced at the beginning of the month – and include, in addition to restrictions on the movement of people in the units, the expanded offer of telehealth services as an option for users of the physical, auditory and intellectual rehabilitation clinics installed at the Anita Garibaldi Health Education and Research Center and the Edmond and Lily Safra International Institute of Neurosciences, in Macaíba (RN).

The measures have been in force since March 8 and were initially valid for 15 days – therefore, until Monday, the 22nd.

According to the Special Commission for the Covid-19 Pandemic, created by the Institute to evaluate internal actions to prevent and combat the disease, the extension of the deadline is motivated by the increase in Covid cases and the overload of public and private health services.

The new effective date of the measures is in line with that established in the Decree No. 30,419, of the state government, which provides for strict social isolation measures, of an exceptional and temporary nature, aimed at combating the pandemic, in Rio Grande do Norte.

The ISD decision was announced this Friday (19).

The measures will remain in place until April 2, with the possibility of extending this period.

Check out how the Institute operates below:

CARE FOR MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH AND REHABILITATION
All of the Institute's essential services continue to be provided in person, including activities such as high-risk prenatal care, diagnostic support services such as laboratory tests, electroencephalography and ultrasound, high-risk childcare and pediatrics, neurology, urology, otorhinolaryngology and infectious diseases, as well as care for people who have suffered sexual violence. Essential services offered at the Institute's Rehabilitation Center, CER III, also operate in person. Depending on the scenario, care may be spaced out, however. Users of the adult and child rehabilitation clinics may choose to receive in-person or remote care, depending on their health condition and the decision made jointly with the therapist. Remote care is an option for users who are able to adhere to this format. Those who do not have an internet connection or who do not want telehealth care continue to receive in-person care and receive the necessary guidance.

GROUP ACTIVITIES
All activities involving larger groups remain suspended, including group assistance, training and meetings, visits to the Anita Garibaldi and IIN-ELS facilities, and in-person classes.

ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES AND WORK

In-person academic activities remain suspended, with encouragement for remote learning. The work schedule continues in person, with daily preventive measures, such as the use of masks, followed by everyone. Questions about the work schedule can be clarified by the team's immediate managers.

MASTER'S AND RESIDENCE DEFENSES
Possible defenses and qualifications may continue to be held in person, but with a restricted audience. Only the student who will be evaluated and the examining board may participate. However, in these cases, the remote format will also be possible.

MEASURES
The measures were announced as a way to encourage a reduction in the flow of people in the facilities and reduce the risks of Covid-19. The changes are in line with Decrees No. 30,383 and No. 30,419, issued by the state government on February 26 and March 17, intensifying social distancing measures, such as restrictions on the movement of people, gatherings and events, to contain the current situation of the pandemic. Although the decree does not impose restrictive measures on the operation of essential services and health units, for example, groups that the ISD falls into, the Institute understands that restructuring the services it offers is necessary in light of the current scenario.

FOLLOW-UP
The ISD maintains a special committee to monitor and evaluate measures related to the pandemic. The purpose of the Committee is to ensure the safety of the institutional community and keep it updated on the recommendations of health authorities. The Committee is chaired by the general director, Reginaldo Freitas Júnior, and includes the participation of infectious disease specialists Carolina Damásio and Manoella Alves, nurse Erianna Macedo, as well as administrative director Jovan Gadioli and unit managers Edgard Morya and Lilian Lisboa. The measures announced by the Institute will be reassessed every 15 days.