BackCOVID-19 Policy
In May 2023 the WHO decided that given Covid -19 is now well-established and ongoing, it no longer fits the definition of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). WHO say this does not mean the pandemic itself is over, but the global emergency it has caused is, for now. As a result advice about how countries are to manage COVID-19 has now changed.
Risk
The risk of harm from COVID-19 across adult social care has now been significantly reduced because of
- high vaccination coverage
- prior immunity
- access to C19 treatments
Testing
From April 2023 testing has been focusing on those who are eligible for specialist COVID-19 treatments due to their vulnerability. Therefore staff will no longer be expected to test unless they are eligible for these therapeutic interventions. These individuals can continue to order testing kits through the gov.uk portal. Staff who have symptoms of a respiratory infection but are not eligible for COVID-19 treatment do not need to test but should stay away from others until they feel well and no longer have a temperature. Staff who have a positive COVID-19 test result should stay away form work for a minimum of 5 days and can return to work as soon as they feel well enough to do so. Outside of these guidelines Cavendish Homecare requires all staff who have been aboard to do a LFT prior to returning to work.
COVID-19 treatments
The treatments available for people at the highest risk of becoming seriously ill from COVID-19 are the antiviral drugs, including
- Nirmatrelvir
- Ritonavir
- Remdexivir
- Molnupiravir
Some of these treatments are oral, others are IV.
People at highest risk
Categories include, but are not limited to the following:
- Down’s Syndrome
- Cancer
- Sickle Cell
- Blood Dyscrasias
- Organ Transplant
- IBS
- Arthritis
- Autoimmune Illnesses
- Neurological conditions such as MS, Parkinson’s, NMD
Reporting
High risk individuals who want to seek COVID-19 treatment need to report their COVID-19 LFT results on the gov.uk website so the NHS can contact them about treatment.
Vaccination
Vaccination remains a primary protection measure against both COVID-19 and flu therefore the government have advised that an extra COVID -19 booster dose in spring 2023 should be offered to adults aged 75 and over and children aged 5 years and over who are immunosuppressed.
PPE
Appropriate PPE should continue to be worn by all care workers subject to an infection control risk assessment. The routine wearing of face masks is no longer required. Care workers who are looking after a COVID-19 positive patient need to wear the appropriate PPE including FFP3 masks if aerosol generating procedures are being carried out.
Guidance
Cavendish Homecare will continue to follow government guidelines regarding the prevention and control of COVID-19 in social care.
Source
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/infection-prevention-and-control-in-adult-social-care-covid-19-supplement/covid-19-supplement-to-the-infection-prevention-and-control-resource-for-adult-social-care.
Revised: January 2024
Version 10 (Reviewed)