Lesson 03: Action during the Global Pandemic and MDS Guidelines

Hello student!

In this module, we will provide information about the regulations and guidelines received for conducting the SCFV during the COVID19 pandemic; the video about the practical experience is in the next lessons, and here we will discuss some tips on how to carry out the SCFV remotely.

The emergency scenario brought about by the COVID19 Pandemic prompted actions and measures for prevention, caution, and risk reduction of disease transmission, limiting certain activities. To this end, guidelines and a new framework were established to preserve the regular and essential provision of social assistance services, programs, projects, and benefits.

Immediate measures for the temporary suspension of in-person events, meetings, training courses, workshops, and other collective activities were implemented, applying said suspension to in-person group activities of the Serviço de Convivência e Fortalecimento de Vínculos (SCFV). Thus, the guidance was to continue the Service remotely, making it possible to support families and users in isolation, taking into account the different
life cycles, the impacts of isolation, and the need to reorganize a new daily routine. Here are some measures to be adopted:

1. Health and Safety Guidelines

•  Ensure social distancing between users and staff members;
•  Provide and guarantee Personal Protective Equipment (EPI's);
•  Daily screening and entry log for anyone entering the premises;
•  Change masks every 2 hours or whenever they become damp (if sooner);
•  Check everyone's temperature, denying entry to individuals with a temperature of 37.8 (thirty-seven point eight) degrees Celsius or higher; entry is also denied to anyone showing symptoms such as a dry or productive cough, body aches, sore throat, nasal congestion, headache, shortness of breath, skin lesions, diarrhea, and vomiting;
•  Sanitize all areas of the SCFV service units before resuming in-person group activities, as well as increase the frequency of cleaning. Ensure restrooms are stocked with liquid soap, paper towels, and 70% (seventy percent) antiseptic alcohol formulations in gel, foam, or spray form;
•  Enhance, whenever possible, the use of natural light (sunlight) and keep doors and windows open for natural ventilation in group rooms, common areas, and walkways;
•  Select and train staff members to take appropriate action when encountering an individual with flu-like symptoms, ensuring their own protection as well as that of everyone involved in providing the SCFV;

2. Socio-Educational Guidelines During the Pandemic – Remote 

• Encourage the creation of contact networks among SCFV users so they can responsibly practice mutual care and attention. This contact must be carried out remotely. From there, the frequency of weekly check-ins can be arranged so that users actively participate in the proposed activities.
• Social educators should provide printed activity kits containing educational materials for crafts, manual activities, and more. To ensure greater safety and engagement for users, the kits should be prepared according to the users' identified interests.
• When maintaining SCFV activities remotely, it is important to preserve the same strategies used in person: encouraging target audience participation and fostering reflection on various themes in a playful and engaging manner.
• Regarding the support and monitoring of SCFV users, it is recommended to continue remote assistance for individuals and families in situations of greater vulnerability and social risk, as well as to ensure early identification of demands requiring increased support and protection to prevent worsening conditions.
• For suspended activities, such as those for seniors participating in SCFV collective groups, social educators can remotely support seniors living alone by organizing activities that help minimize the emotional impacts caused by social isolation.
• In situations where remote assistance via the internet is unfeasible, the use of other alternatives is recommended, such as phone calls, video calls (WhatsApp, Skype, or Zoom), emails, SMS text messages, social media, among others.
• Depending on the reality of each case, remote services and monitoring should be defined in the best possible way by the technical teams, and their organization must:
• Inform families about the importance of keeping their contact details up to date and provide ways to reach the Services whenever necessary;
• Schedule and agree upon days and times for contact with users and/or family members, maintaining regular and consistent communication;
• Record information regarding the service provided, demands, referrals, and professional observations, among other aspects, for subsequent entry into the unit's records.
• Reorganize teams by considering all SUAS professionals in the local area (governmental and non-governmental networks), reassigning staff to provide support and coverage for essential services and activities;
• Consider alternatives such as remote work, shift scheduling, and staff rotation for service delivery at specific times (morning, afternoon, and evening) and/or during weekends, whether for in-person or remote care, according to needs;
• Plan agile measures for workforce replacement in cases of leave or absence to ensure the continuous delivery of services.

3. Socio-Educational Guidelines for Returning to In-Person Groups 

• Assess the possibility of a gradual return to in-person SCFV group activities, with a minimum interval of 7 days between each group;
• Reduce the frequency of meetings;
• Design pathway activities that promote preventive measures against the novel Coronavirus, ruling out direct contact activities such as dance and sports, as well as anything that encourages crowding, celebrations, parties, or large gatherings;
• Prioritize activities that foster physical distancing and can be carried out outdoors;
• Readjustment of Physical Spaces, both indoor and outdoor, and circulation routes within the SCFV service units
• Mark floors in physical spaces to facilitate adherence to social distancing measures, especially in collective areas;
• Respect the designated maximum occupancy limit for each room or space, posting informative signs on site;
• Disable or seal off water fountain jet spouts that allow direct drinking, preventing users' mouths from coming into contact with the equipment.
• Establish information flows and referral protocols with the Health Department;
• Conduct an assessment using the “Form for the Resumption of In-Person SCFV Collective Activities” before returning to in-person sessions, and sign the “COVID19 Term of Commitment”;
• Staggering user schedules is an essential measure to prevent overcrowding.

Ordinance No. 134, of November 28, 2013 (text available here):

Text from:

GUIDELINES FOR THE RETURN OF IN-PERSON ACTIVITIES OF THE SERVIÇO DE CONVIVÊNCIA E FORTALECIMENTO DE VÍNCULOS. Santa Catarina. November 2020

MS Ordinance No. 1,565, of June 18, 2020, establishes “general guidelines aimed at the prevention, control, and mitigation of COVID-19 transmission, and at promoting the physical and mental health of the Brazilian population, contributing to actions for the safe resumption of activities and safe social interaction.”

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