Bandra society turns in-house spa and salon into quarantine centre

In place of the massage bed now sits a hospital bed. In May this year, the blissful spa and salon centre of the plush Rustomjee Seasons in Bandra (east), morphed into a serene quarantine centre replete with an IV stand, oxygen concentrate machine, pulse oximeter, disposable thermometer & PPE kits.
Set up to act as a cocoon for residents in case they contracted Covid-19 and needed oxygenation till they found a bed at a hospital, the idea of the centre was that patients would feel as peaceful as they would in a spa, especially under the care and supervision of the 'Covid-19 panel' of doctor residents in the complex.
The quarantine centre is among a host of initiatives taken under the leadership of society secretary Jimmy Francis as part of the complex's elaborate Covid-19 'preparedness strategy'.
As early as April, the 300 families staying in four buildings had all their questions about Covid-19 cleared on the trot by eminent doctors in the neighbourhood. From "How to take care of children during this time?" to "How can vulnerable senior citizens stay safe?", Dr Vijay D'silva, an intensivist at Asian Heart Hospital and Dr Shaila Sukthankar, a leading paediatrician, addressed their uncertainties over the society's public announcement system.
Soon followed a similar virtual talk on 'Covid-19 and Mental Health' by Dr Eknath Kulkarni and Dr Yogesh Vasandi, specialists in the field of psychiatry and emotional wellness. "Every family could hear these talks sitting at home," recalls Francis, adding that the virtual talks not only defined Covid-19, but also spelt out precautionary measures.
Besides, the complex's preparedness strategy included the provision of temporary accommodation for approximately 60 housekeeping and support staff in the basement of the complex. They also arranged bedding, food and regular medical checkups for them. "To boost the morale of the sealed-in support staff, resident families were encouraged to sponsor special lunches and groceries for them," says Francis. Groceries and medicines were also delivered to the flats of vulnerable senior citizen residents so that they didn't have to step out.
Recently, the society contributed Rs 6 lakh to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund for migrant workers to safely reach their homes. In another initiative, members contributed Rs 3 lakh so 200 people, which included autorickshaw drivers, were given a month's ration.
Fun, too, was not taken lightly during the lockdown. Given that cultural activities were restricted, Rustomjee Seasons' cultural committee decided to go virtual by organising a quiz competition for children between ages 4 and 16, in June. They are now mulling a virtual 'Housie' session for senior citizens who can participate from their homes on August 15.
Despite all precautions taken, five families in the society contracted the virus. The source of infection, says Francis, has been attributed to hospital visits. Stringent protocols were put in place including santitization of lifts, floors and common areas. A separate lift was earmarked for the exclusive use of the infected families. The families were given all the help and emotional support to tide through. "Strict enforcement of all protocols, with the immense support of the residents, helped contain the virus," says Francis.