A request for action on testing and PPE in all care settings.
You will know already that we are experiencing a rise in confirmed COVID-19 cases, across the UK population. I need to alert you to the first signs this rise is being reflected in care homes too.
Over the past three days, Public Health England (PHE) has reported an increase in notifications of COVID-19 cases in care homes.
Testing data has also shown an increase in the number of positive results. Currently, the infections are mainly affecting the workforce but clearly there is a risk the virus will spread to care home residents, or to other parts of the care sector.
Unfortunately, in some care homes with recent outbreaks, this does appear to have occurred, with residents also becoming infected.
I am writing at the earliest opportunity, so we can work in partnership to prevent further spread of the disease.
