Every week, there are updates on different Covid guidance. Only this week, we’ve highlighted 15 Covid changes you should be aware. Download our Social Care Weekly update here to stay on top of any changes!
Alternatively, you can read the update here:
Cold Weather Alert Issued by PHE – Updated 5 February
A cold weather alert has been issued by Public Health England which details how to stay well during these low temperatures. For more information, click here.
COVID-19: Coronavirus – Getting Tested – Updated 5 February
Documents have been updated to reflect a new registration process for care home testing. For more information, click here.
COVID-19: Government Boost to Rapid Workplace Testing – Press Release 7 February
This press release highlights the new government drive to increase workplace testing in sectors open during lockdown. For more information, click here.
COVID-19: Vaccine Rollout and Variant Mitigation – Press Release 8 February
An update from the vaccine minister in relation to the vaccine roll out programme. For more information, click here.
COVID-19: Book or Manage your Coronavirus Vaccination – Updated 8 February
The Government have advised that people aged 70 or over or who are clinically extremely vulnerable can now book a vaccination appointment rather than wait to be contacted by letter. For more information, click here.
COVID-19: Register to Order Coronavirus Tests for Employees – Published 8 February
Employers with staff of 50 or more can register to have coronavirus testing within their business. For more information, click here.
COVID-19: Short-Term Paid Work in Adult Social Care – Published 9 February
Guidance on how to register your interest in taking up short-term paid work in adult social care to meet urgent additional staffing requirements over the winter months. For more information, click here.
COVID-19: Free PPE for Unpaid Carers – Published 9 February
The government have announced that unpaid carers who do not live with the person they are caring for can now benefit from free PPE through a new national scheme. For more information, click here.
COVID-19: PPE Portal – How to order COVID-19 personal protective equipment – Updated 9 February
Updated to include the addition of small bottles of hand hygiene to the order limits for domiciliary care providers. For more information, click here.
COVID-19: PPE Portal – Local contacts for providers – Updated 9 February
Guidance updated in relation to unpaid carers and some locations in relation to PPE. For more information, click here.
COVID-19: How to Self-Isolate When you Travel to England – Updated 9 February
This guidance has been updated to include the new rules coming into force from 15 February. For more information, click here.
NICE – Safeguarding Adults in Care Homes – Updated 9 February
NICE have announced a delay in publication of this new guidance. For more information, click here.
COVID-19: Surge Testing for New Coronavirus (COVID-19) Variants – Published 10 February
This guidance highlights how surge testing and genomic sequencing is being used in locations across England where COVID-19 variants have been identified. For more information, click here.
COVID-19: Notification to Organisations to Share Information – Updated 10 February
This guidance has been updated to reflect notices being extended from 31 March 2021 to 30 September 2021. For more information, click here.
COVID-19: Getting Tested – Updated 10 February
This guidance has been updated and now includes instructions on how to do home tests for the visually impaired or blind. Lateral flow test result times have also been changed from 2 hours to 30 minutes. For more information, click here.
COVID-19: Designated Settings for People with COVID-19 Leaving Hospital (CQC) – Published 10 February
The CQC have published key data on the scheme and how they are supporting it through inspections and monitoring practices to ensure that people continue to receive safe and effective care. For more information, click here.
COVID-19: National Booking Service Open for Social Care Workers – Published 11 February
The government have announced the NBS is open for social care workers in England from 11 February, providing an additional option for carers to obtain the vaccination. For more information, click here.
Policy Updates
All coronavirus policies and Resource Centre documents continue to be reviewed and updated in light of government updates.