CARE homes around the country have been urged to review their visitor policies in order to keep the most vulnerable population safe.
The Government today issued fresh advice for aged care facilities across Britain.
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Aged care facilities have been told to “review” their visitors policy by asking no one to visit if they suspected if they thought they may be infected or were generally unwell.
The news comes a day after the first few care homes banned visitors over fears of the deadly virus spreading to their vulnerable residents.
Providers were also told external contractors working on-site should be kept to a minimum.
If the worst happens and there is an outbreak of COVID-19 in a home – any resident will have to remain confined to their room and staff will bring food and treatment to them in protective kit.
The Department of Health said they were wary of banning visitors entirely because of the emotional toll keeping elderly Brits from their loved ones could have.
Volunteers will also be deployed across the country in case the already struggling social care workforce is cut by the need to self-isolate.
Everyone in the social care sector was urged to make sure both residents and staff were washing their hands.
Health Sectary Matt Hancock said: “I understand how worried people most in need of care will be about coronavirus, and how concerned families around the country will be for their loved ones.
“And I want everyone to know we are working around the clock to ensure we do everything possible to reduce the risk vulnerable and elderly people face.”
“We are working closely with partners from across the social care sector to ensure local authorities, care providers and our health and social workforce are prepared to take action to protect our most vulnerable.
“Local authorities will work with the NHS and care providers to bring together their pre-existing contingency preparations and make sure each decision is made with the best public health and clinical advice at its heart.”
