On 13 March 2020, the Government provided updated guidance to people working and living in social care.

• Elderly people and those with underlying health conditions are much more likely to develop serious complications from Covid-19. 

• The Government has published new guidance which sets out that anyone with symptoms should not visit care homes or vulnerable people, while those receiving care should be isolated in their rooms if they have symptoms of Covid-19. 

• This will be a challenging time for people living and working in care, but the Government is working closely with industry experts to do everything we can to limit the impact of Covid-19 has on the most vulnerable. 

These measures include:  

  • Publishing new guidance for adult social care in relation to Covid-19. The guidance covers a variety of scenarios relating to care homes, staff, and providers who care for people in their own homes to ensure older people and those with pre-existing conditions and care needs who receive support are best protected. Anyone who is suspected of having Covid-19, with a new continuous cough or high temperature, should not visit care homes or people receiving home care, and should self-isolate at home.
  • People receiving care will be isolated in their rooms if they have symptoms of Covid-19. To ensure they can continue to receive the care they require, care staff will use protective equipment to minimise the risk of transmission. 
  • Working with the NHS and care providers to make sure people can stay in their communities wherever possible. Building on existing strong local relationships, the NHS will work with care providers where necessary to make sure people have the best possible care and remain in the community. 
  • Asking GPs to do what they can to support patients and their families. GPs have been asked to look at the possibilities of offering digital appointments to provide advice and guidance to patients and potentially their families. 
  • Working with local councils to prioritise people who are at the highest risk. Councils have been told to map out all care and support plans to prioritise people who are at the highest risk and contact all registered providers in their local area to facilitate plans for mutual aid.