The Regional Secretariat for Health informs that the São Miguel Island Health Unit created today the first infirmary dedicated to patients with positive diagnosis of COVID-19 in regional primary health care. It is primarily directed to the elderly residing at the Santa Casa da Misericórdia of Nordeste Nursing Home. 

Accordingly, the São Miguel Island Health Unit reorganises its activity as of 12 am on Friday, April 10, providing a quick response to the need of creating a specialised infirmary, with capacity for 12 beds, at the Nordeste Health Centre for the users of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia of Nordeste Nursing Home with a positive diagnosis of COVID-19. 

The reorganisation, decided after hearing the mayors of municipalities, falls within the Contingency Plan of the São Miguel Island Health Unit and aims to maintain the provision of health care to the population. 

In order to ensure the quality of care, users of the Integrated Continuing Care Unit of Nordeste Health Centre will be transferred to the Integrated Continuing Care Units of the Povoação and Vila Franca do Campo Health Care Centres. 

Under the provisions of the Contingency Plan of the São Miguel Island Health Unit, the Povoação Basic Emergency Unit will operate from 8 am to 12 am and the Vila Franca do Campo Basic Emergency Unit will operate from 8 am to 8 pm.