Social Care In Vision (Last update 05.06.20) | QCS

Social Care In Vision (Last update 05.06.20)

Dementia Care
June 5, 2020

Our latest social care summary, including updates on the new face-covering rule when taking public transport and care home testing. Download it now for free here.

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Alternatively, please read the update here: 

A) Face Covering to be Compulsory on Public Transport from the 15th June

As the government eases some of the lockdown measures, it is anticipated that more people will return to using public transport. For care staff who rely on public transport to get to work or to move between service users’ homes, from the 15th June, they will be required to wear face coverings on buses and trains in England. Failure to do so may result in a fine. The Government’s Stay Safe Outside your home document gives guidance on other measures people should take when they have to leave their house.

B) Reaching all Eligible Care Homes with Whole Care Home Testing

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) committed to reaching all care homes whose residents are over 65 or have dementia by 6 June 2020. In the newsletter from Kate Terroni (29th May), there are still some care homes across England that are eligible to register via the online portal but have not yet done so. DHSC has rectified an issue where a small number of “mixed-use” care homes that cater for adults over 65 or who have dementia, as well as other service user bands, were unable to register on the portal. Eligible care homes can access the portal here.

QCS this week have published via the website a free Staff Nose and Throat Swab Consent Form which you can download here

C) Shielding Guidance Amended

The government has updated its guidance for people who are shielding taking into account that COVID-19 disease levels have decreased over the last few weeks. People who are shielding remain vulnerable and should continue to take precautions but can now leave their home if they wish, as long as they can maintain strict social distancing. If they choose to spend time outdoors, this can be with members of their household. If they live alone, they can spend time outdoors with one person from another household. Ideally, this should be the same person each time. If they do go out, they should take extra care to minimise contact with others by keeping 2 metres apart. This guidance will be kept under regular review.

D) COVID-19: management of staff and exposed patients and residents in health and social care settings

This general guidance was updated on 4th June and provides advice on the management of staff and patients or residents in health and social care settings according to exposures, symptoms and test results. It includes:

  • Staff with symptoms of COVID-19
  • Staff return to work criteria
  • Patient exposures in hospital
  • Resident exposures in care settings