Care homes are high risk centres for the transmission of COVID-19. There is a high density of residents and regular interaction between vulnerable people. Gov UK has issued advice for residential care in combatting COVID-19 transmission in centres.
Staff health – Staff should follow NHS guidance and self-isolate for a minimum of 7 days if they are concerned they have COVID-19 symptoms.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) – A reliable supply of PPE is needed as part of infection control measures. The government has assured a supply of PPE to adult social care providers – get in contact if you are struggling with procurement.
Resident isolation – if a resident shows COVID-19 symptoms, the guideline recommends following procedures for influenza. The resident may be isolated in their own room if necessary and should preferably have an en-suite bathroom.
Disposal of patient care items – patient care items should be immediately and securely disposed of. Take care when transporting items out of the isolation room in case of spillages or aerosols. Cross contamination pathways should be considered in waste removal.
For more information, see COVID-19: guidance on residential care provision.
Think about ways to improve infection control. For example, consider incontinence or bedpan macerators to reduce waste transportation around sites.
Further reading
“COVID-19: guidance on residential care provision,” Gov UK, March 19, 2020. Accessed 23 March 2020. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-residential-care-supported-living-and-home-care-guidance/covid-19-guidance-on-residential-care-provision
