The Government today announced further testing for all care home residents and staff with symptoms of COVID-19.
“Staff in care homes have been working tirelessly to protect our most vulnerable residents and it is right that those on the front line in the care sector as well as the NHS are being prioritised as testing capacity increases. I am very pleased the Government is now able to offer testing for all care staff and care home residents who need it.” – Dr Ben Spencer MP
Residents of care homes are often some of the most vulnerable in society and need particular focus and effort to protect them from COVID-19, the Coronavirus disease. Currently the first 5 residents showing symptoms in a care home setting are tested to confirm whether there is an outbreak.
Today’s announcement commits to ensuring all symptomatic residents will be tested, as UK testing capacity increases. In addition, all patients discharged from hospital to care homes will be tested, and all care home staff will also have access to testing. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) will be contacting all 30,000 care providers in the coming days to offer tests. 6,000 care facilities have already been contacted with the opportunity to test their staff.
Dedicated testing has already begun for frontline staff, including social care workers, in addition to over 20,000 tests having been carried out for NHS workers and their families.
The Government announced its national testing strategy on 2 April with an aim to deliver 100,000 tests per day by the end of the month. Key to delivering this is ensuring we have enough materials and laboratory capacity. The Government have appealed to public and private sector organisations to help deliver this. For more information on how to help, please visit here.
