COVID-19 (Coranavirus) Awareness Bulletin for Care Home Providers
A weekly bulletin produced by knowledgeservices@dudley.gov.uk on Wednesday 28th July 2021. Containing information up to and including Tuesday 27th July 2021.
This information is provided to keep you up to date with the fast moving evidence on the COVID-19 pandemic. If you have any comments or would like to suggest any improvements please contact us at the email above.
Please note that while every effort is made to ensure that this information is up to date and accurate this bulletin is not a substitute for medical or legal advice.
If unsure you should always seek professional advice and Knowledge Services and Dudley MBC will not be held responsible for any use or misuse of this information.
Who is this for?
Care home owners, providers and their staff, domiciliary care providers and voluntary organisations.
Technical Note:
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New and updated information is in red
Care Home Provider's Bulletin (click each section to explore)
COVID-19: guidance on shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable
Information for shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable from COVID-19.
Source: Public Health England
Last updated: 27/07/2021
Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/coronavirus-vaccine/
Last updated: 22/07/2021
COVID-19: management of staff and exposed patients or residents in health and social care settings
This guidance provides advice on the management of staff and patients or residents in health and social care settings according to exposures, symptoms and test results. There may be further information specific to each country in the United Kingdom, as this guidance was written by Public Health England primarily for an English health professional audience, and contact tracing arrangements are variable across the 4 nations of the UK.
31 May: updated in light of test and trace guidance (Section 3.3); addition of guidance on risk assessment of staff in the event of PPE breaches (Section 3.4), and re-organisation with the addition of “Additional considerations” (Section 6).
Source: UK Government
Last updated: 22/07/2021
Personal protective equipment (PPE) – resource for care workers delivering homecare (domiciliary care) during sustained COVID-19 transmission in England
This resource is primarily for care workers and providers delivering care in the following contexts: visiting homecare, extra care housing, and live-in homecare.
It applies the recommendations from the main PPE guidance to domiciliary care settings. It reflects the current context of sustained transmission in the UK. The recommended PPE items in this resource should be followed for all homecare (domiciliary care) interactions during the sustained transmission period.
Source: Public Health England
Last updated: 19/07/2021
COVID-19: guidance for managing a funeral during the coronavirus pandemic
Guidance for managing a funeral during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Source: Public Health England
Last updated: 19/07/2021
COVID-19: how to work safely in domiciliary care in England
A resource for those working in domiciliary care providing information on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-how-to-work-safely-in-domiciliary-care
Source: Public Health England
Last updated: 19/07/2021
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for people receiving direct payments
Advice for people who buy care and support through a direct payment, as well as local authorities, clinical commissioning groups and those who provide care and support
Source: UK Government
Last updated: 19/07/2021
Guidance for contacts of people with confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection who do not live with the person
Guidance for contacts of a person with a positive test result for coronavirus (COVID-19) who do not live with that person.
Source: Public Health England
Last updated: 19/07/2021
COVID-19: guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection
Stay at home guidance for households with possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance
Source: Public Health England
Last updated: 19/07/2021
COVID-19: how to work safely in care homes
Guidance for those working in care homes providing information on how to work safely during this period of sustained transmission of COVID-19.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-how-to-work-safely-in-care-homes
Source: UK Government
Last updated: 19/07/2021
Infection prevention and control and preparedness for COVID-19 in healthcare settings
This document aims to provide guidance to EU/EEA healthcare facilities and healthcare providers on infection prevention and control (IPC) measures for the management of suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection in healthcare settings, including long-term care facilities. It also offers guidance on the management of specimens at laboratories in the EU/EEA. This is an update of the ECDC guidance dated 12 March 2020 ‘Infection prevention and control for COVID-19 in healthcare settings’.
This update focuses on measures to be applied in settings with increasing community transmission, a growing demand for care of COVID-19 patients and ensuing staff issues in the event of shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare facilities in EU/EEA countries and the United Kingdom.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-infection-prevention-and-control
Source: UK Government
Last updated: 01/06/2021
PPE guide for community health and social care settings
What PPE to wear and when - an illustrative guide
Source: Public Health England
Last updated: Version 2: 28/05/21
Coronavirus (COVID-19): provision of home care
This page aims to answer frequently asked questions from registered providers, social care staff, local authorities and commissioners who support and deliver care to people in their own homes, including supported living settings, in England.
Source: UK government
Last updated: 17/05/2021
COVID-19: ethical framework for adult social care
A framework to support the planning and organisation of adult social care during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-ethical-framework-for-adult-social-care
Source: UK Government
Last updated: 28/04/2021
COVID-19: guidance for care of the deceased
Advice to assist people required to manage bodies of deceased persons infected with coronavirus (COVID-19).
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-care-of-the-deceased
Source: Public Health England
Last updated: 22/04/2021
COVID-19: Managing the COVID-19 pandemic in care homes for older people
The COVID-19 pandemic raises particular challenges for care home residents, their families and the staff that look after them. This guidance has been developed to help care home staff and NHS staff who work with them to support residents through the pandemic.
https://www.bgs.org.uk/resources/covid-19-managing-the-covid-19-pandemic-in-care-homes
Source: Membership organisation
Last updated: 18/11/20
COVID-19 rapid guideline: managing symptoms (including at the end of life) in the community
The purpose of this guideline is to provide recommendations for managing COVID‑19 symptoms for patients in the community, including at the end of life. It also includes recommendations about managing medicines for these patients, and protecting staff from infection.
https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng163
Source: NICE
Last updated: 13/10/20
COVID-19: potentially infectious people
How public health officers apply Schedule 21 to the Coronavirus Act 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-potentially-infectious-people
Source: Public Health England
Created: 26/08/2020
Care homes and COVID-19: advice and best practice
Guidance, resources and best practice advice for care homes and care staff during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
https://www.scie.org.uk/care-providers/coronavirus-covid-19/care-homes
Source: Social Care Institute for Excellence
Created: August 2020
Guidance on the provision of support for medically and socially vulnerable populations in EU/EEA countries and the United Kingdom during the COVID-19 pandemic
The objective of this document is to provide guidance for civil society and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) as well as for national and regional authorities in the European Union and European Economic Area (EU/EEA) and the United Kingdom (UK), who are providing support for people who have medical and social vulnerabilities during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Specifically, it aims to identify some of the major cross-cutting challenges, successes and lessons learned by these organisations during the period of stay-at-home and other measures from March-May 2020. It is hoped that the findings presented may be applicable to support service providers across the EU/EEA and the UK as the pandemic evolves, and in particular in the event of an upsurge in cases over the coming months that necessitates a subsequent return to stay-at-home measures or other restrictions in movement.
Source: European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
Created: 03/07/2020
COVID-19: guidance for taking swab samples
Videos and instructions for how to take swab samples for COVID-19 testing
Source: Public Health England
Last updated: 02/07/2020
COVID-19 and violence against older people
Sharp increase in the risk of violence against older people
https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/covid-19-and-violence-against-older-people
Source: WHO
Created: 14/06/2020
New WHO/Europe guidance shows more can be done to protect people in need of long-term care during the COVID-19 pandemic
In countries with community transmission of COVID-19, over 40% of total confirmed COVID-19 deaths occur in long-term care facilities, and in some cases, this is closer to 60%. This affects not only those in need of long-term care, many of whom are older people, but also their families who are put at risk of infection.
Source: WHO
Created: 28/05/2020
Rapid scan 1: Effects on people in care/nursing homes (and other residential facilities) including approaches to protecting workers and residents
Our approach is to trawl the rapidly growing knowledge base, to filter findings which are relevant to planning and policy and to highlight new and emerging learning:
This rapid scan provides a snapshot of emerging evidence.
A weekly alert will highlight new papers.
We will also maintain an evidence tracker, providing a single point of access to the papers highlighted in this scan and in weekly alerts.
Source: NHS Strategy Unit
Last updated: 07/05/20
Evidence Tracker
Source: NHS Strategy Unit
Who's at higher risk from coronavirus
Coronavirus (COVID-19) can make anyone seriously ill. But for some people, the risk is higher.
Source: UK Government
Last updated: 08/07/21
Active at Home
This 'Active at Home' booklet has been produced to provide practical guidance to older adults on home-based activities to maintain their strength and balance. It follows concerns that low levels of physical activity in older adults will lead to reduced fitness resulting in loss of independence and need for care in the future. Available to download for partners to organise print locally.
https://campaignresources.phe.gov.uk/resources/campaigns/50-resource-ordering/resources/5118
Source: Public Health England
Created: June 2020
COVID-19 and medicines advice for older people
Older people are particularly at risk from complications as a result of COVID-19 and many are likely to already be taking medication for other conditions. This information is intended for healthcare professionals.
https://www.bgs.org.uk/resources/covid-19-and-medicines-advice-for-older-people
Source: Membership organisation
Last updated: 17/03/20
COVID-19: guidance for care of the deceased
Advice to assist people required to manage bodies of deceased persons infected with coronavirus (COVID-19).
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-care-of-the-deceased
Source: UK Government
Last updated: 22/04/2021
Guidance for care of the deceased with suspected or confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19)
Advice primarily designed to assist people who are required to manage the bodies of deceased persons infected with coronavirus (COVID-19).
This guidance has been developed to ensure that:
the bodies of those people who have died as a result of coronavirus (COVID-19) are treated with sensitivity, dignity and respect
People who work in these services and mourners are protected from infection
This guidance remains under review and may be updated in line with the changing situation as required.
There is separate guidance for managing a funeral during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Source: UK Government
Last updated: 22/04/2021
Coronavirus (Covid-19) guidance for people with cancer
https://www.macmillan.org.uk/coronavirus/cancer-and-coronavirus
Source: UK charity
Last updated: 01/06/20
COVID-19: End of life care and dementia
The majority of people with dementia (which is the leading cause of death in England and Wales1) are aged over 70, have other long-term conditions and are frail, putting them into particularly vulnerable groups for developing complications if they are infected with COVID-19.
https://www.bgs.org.uk/resources/covid-19-end-of-life-care-and-dementia
Source: Membership organisation
Last updated: 07/04/20
End of life care during coronavirus
https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/help/support/coronavirus
Source: UK charity
Last updated: Unknown
Guidance on shielding and protecting people who are clinically extremely vulnerable from COVID-19
This guidance is for people who are clinically extremely vulnerable, including children. It’s also for their family, friends and carers.
Source: UK government
Last updated: 27/07/2021
COVID-19: guidance on shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable
Information for shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable from COVID-19.
Source: Public Health England
Last updated: 27/07/2021
Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/coronavirus-vaccine/
Last updated: 22/07/2021
COVID-19: management of staff and exposed patients and residents in health and social care settings
Guidance on the management of staff, patients and residents who have been exposed to COVID-19.
Source: UK Government
Last updated: 22/07/2021
COVID-19: how to work safely in care homes
Guidance for those working in care homes providing information on how to work safely during this period of sustained transmission of COVID-19.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-how-to-work-safely-in-care-homes
Source: UK Government
Last updated: 19/07/2021
COVID-19: infection prevention and control (IPC)
Guidance on infection prevention and control for COVID-19. Sustained community transmission is occurring across the UK.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-infection-prevention-and-control
Source: Public Health England
Last updated: 01/06/2021
Coronavirus: Testing for Covid-19
This Commons Library briefing paper provides an overview of testing for Covid-19 in England. It covers the different types of test that are in use and in development, as well as testing capacity and the criteria for being tested.
https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-8897/
Source: UK government
Last updated: 14/10/2020
Coronavirus (COVID-19): reuse of medicines in a care home or hospice
Standard operating procedure on how to run a safe and effective medicines reuse scheme in a care home or hospice during the coronavirus outbreak.
Source: UK government
Last updated: 02/09/2020
COVID-19: number of outbreaks in care homes – management information
Weekly number and percentage of care homes reporting a suspected or confirmed outbreak of COVID-19 to PHE by local authorities, regions and PHE centres.
Source: Public Health England
Last updated: 27/08/2020
COVID-19: review of disparities in risks and outcomes
Review into how different factors have affected COVID-19 risk and outcomes.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-review-of-disparities-in-risks-and-outcomes
Source: Public Health England
Last updated: 11/08/2020
Effectiveness of Cloth Masks for Protection Against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2
Cloth masks have been used in healthcare and community settings to protect the wearer from respiratory infections. The use of cloth masks during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is under debate. The filtration effectiveness of cloth masks is generally lower than that of medical masks and respirators; however, cloth masks may provide some protection if well designed and used correctly. Multilayer cloth masks, designed to fit around the face and made of water-resistant fabric with a high number of threads and finer weave, may provide reasonable protection. Until a cloth mask design is proven to be equally effective as a medical or N95 mask, wearing cloth masks should not be mandated for healthcare workers. In community settings, however, cloth masks may be used to prevent community spread of infections by sick or asymptomatically infected persons, and the public should be educated about their correct use
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/26/10/20-0948_article
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Created: 22/07/2020
Transmission of SARS-CoV-2: implications for infection prevention precautions
This document is an update to the scientific brief published on 29 March 2020 entitled “Modes of transmission of virus causing COVID-19: implications for infection prevention and control (IPC) precaution recommendations” and includes new scientific evidence available on transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
Source: World Health Organisation
Created: 09/07/2020
Early lessons from a second COVID-19 lockdown in Leicester, UK
As the number of new cases of COVID-19 continues to decline in the UK, national lockdown measures are being cautiously relaxed. However, Leicester has become the first city in England to have lockdown measures re-imposed. There are growing concerns about further local outbreaks, with the potential to culminate in a second wave. The national strategy for managing, if not mitigating, these risks has been centralised and primarily focused on so-called pillar 2 community-based swab testing completed by remote lighthouse laboratories and contact tracing. This is supported by continued pillar 1 testing, in National Health Service hospital laboratories, of patients admitted to hospital. Here we report our early experience of the second spike in COVID-19 cases in Leicester. The ethnic pluralism and cultural diversity celebrated by the city now presents complex and considerable public health challenges. As the city enters a local lockdown, we consider whether lessons should be learnt to avoid or better manage similar inevitable surges across other areas of the UK.
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)31490-2/fulltext?rss=yes
Source: The Lancet
Created: 02/07/2020
Distributing a Covid-19 vaccine raises complex ethical issues
Bioethicist Ruth Faden says a vaccine is no 'silver bullet' for ending the pandemic—once a vaccine is developed, complex questions of distribution and access arise
https://hub.jhu.edu/2020/07/01/covid-vaccine-ethics-faden/
Source: Journal article
Created: 01/07/2020
Antibody tests for COVID-19: new evidence on test accuracy and some considerations
Sarah Chapman looks at the evidence from a new Cochrane rapid review on the accuracy of antibody tests for COVID-19 and at other important considerations about the roll-out of testing. Antibody testing for SARS-CoV-2 is in the news with the publication of a letter in the BMJ from a group of senior academics, expressing concerns about its establishment in England and, hard on their heels, a new Cochrane Rapid Review, which brings together the best available evidence from studies up to April 2020 on Antibody tests for identification of current and past infection with SARS-CoV-2. With any test, it’s important to know how accurate it is and also why it’s being done – what will change as a result of doing it (for example, it might indicate a need for treatment). A programme of testing across a population will have multiple impacts. The Cochrane Review addresses the former, while the letter to the BMJ raises wider concerns about the roll-out of antibody testing and its implications.
https://www.evidentlycochrane.net/antibody-tests/
Source: Cochrane
Created: 26/06/2020
Covid-19: Timing is critical for antibody tests, finds Cochrane review
A Cochrane systematic review has found that, when it comes to antibody testing for covid-19, timing is everything.
The review of 54 studies found that antibody tests carried one week after a patient first developed symptoms detected only 30% of people who had covid-19. Accuracy increased in to 72% at two weeks and to 94% in the third week. “If you use them at the wrong time they don’t work,” said Jon Deeks, professor of biostatistics at the University of Birmingham and the review’s lead author.
https://www.bmj.com/content/369/bmj.m2584
Source: BMJ
Created: 25/06/2020
Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems in the context of COVID-19
This document aims to provide guidance for public health authorities in EU/EEA countries and the UK on the ventilation of indoor spaces in the context of COVID-19.
Source: European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
Created: 22/06/2020
What is the evidence to support the 2-metre social distancing rule to reduce COVID-19 transmission?
The 2-metre social distancing rule assumes that the dominant routes of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 are via respiratory large droplets falling on others or surfaces. A one-size-fits-all 2-metre social distancing rule is not consistent with the underlying science of exhalations and indoor air. Such rules are based on an over-simplistic picture of viral transfer, which assume a clear dichotomy between large droplets and small airborne droplets emitted in isolation without accounting for the exhaled air. The reality involves a continuum of droplet sizes and an important role of the exhaled air that carries them.
Source: The Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine
Created: 22/06/2020
Effectiveness of isolation, testing, contact tracing, and physical distancing on reducing transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in different settings: a mathematical modelling study
The isolation of symptomatic cases and tracing of contacts has been used as an early COVID-19 containment measure in many countries, with additional physical distancing measures also introduced as outbreaks have grown. To maintain control of infection while also reducing disruption to populations, there is a need to understand what combination of measures—including novel digital tracing approaches and less intensive physical distancing—might be required to reduce transmission. We aimed to estimate the reduction in transmission under different control measures across settings and how many contacts would be quarantined per day in different strategies for a given level of symptomatic case incidence
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(20)30457-6/fulltext
Source: The Lancet
Created: 16/06/2020
Covid-19: NHS Test and Trace releases first figures, with experts calling for improvements
Three months after the UK stopped contact tracing, a new NHS Test and Trace service launched last week. Can teething problems be ironed out, and is it fit for purpose?
Source: BMJ
Created: 15/06/2020
COVID-19 vaccines for all?
If an effective COVID-19 vaccine is developed, how will it get to everyone in need? Ann Danaiya Usher reports on the initiatives being planned to ensure equitable access, and their shortcomings.
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)31354-4/fulltext
Source: The Lancet
Created: 13/06/2020
Have deaths from COVID-19 in Europe plateaued due to herd immunity?
Transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is currently in marked decline in many countries in Europe, North America, and parts of Asia, following unprecedented governmental interventions aiming to substantially reduce travel and physical contact between individuals. There are two possible and very different explanations for this decline.
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)31357-X/fulltext
Source: The Lancet
Created: 11/06/2020
Efficacy of contact tracing for the containment of the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19)
Contact tracing is a central public health response to infectious disease outbreaks, especially in the early stages of an outbreak when specific treatments are limited. Importation of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) from China and elsewhere into the UK highlights the need to understand the impact of contact tracing as a control measure.
https://jech.bmj.com/content/early/2020/06/16/jech-2020-214051
Source: BMJ
Created: June 2020
Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Nursing Homes, Barcelona, Spain, April 2020
During the coronavirus disease pandemic in Spain, from April 10–24, 2020, a total of 5,869 persons were screened for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 at nursing homes. Among residents, 768 (23.9%) tested positive; among staff, 403 (15.2%). Of those testing positive, 69.7% of residents and 55.8% of staff were asymptomatic.
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/26/9/20-2603_article
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Created: June 2020
NHS Property Services – Alcohol based hand sanitiser – vehicle fires
Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitiser – Vehicle Fires
Care Protect - Thermal imaging technology case study
Thermal imaging technology case study
Vaccination strategies to combat novel corona virus SARS-CoV-2
The 2019-novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is caused by SARS-CoV-2 is transmitted from human to human has recently reported in China. Now COVID-19 has been spread all over the world and declared epidemics by WHO. It has caused a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The elderly and people with underlying diseases are susceptible to infection and prone to serious outcomes, which may be associated with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and cytokine storm. Due to the rapid increase of SARS-CoV-2 infections and unavailability of antiviral therapeutic agents, developing an effective SAR-CoV-2 vaccine is urgently required.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0024320520307062?via%3Dihub
Source: Science Direct
Created: June 2020 (advance electronic publication)
Small droplet aerosols in poorly ventilated spaces and SARS-CoV-2 transmission
Globally, health-care authorities are searching for effective measures to prevent community transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Although data on factors related to this transmission are scarce, the spread of SARS-CoV-2 is thought to mostly be via the transmission of respiratory droplets coming from infected individuals
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanres/article/PIIS2213-2600(20)30245-9/fulltext
Source: The Lancet
Created: 27/05/2020
COVID-19: How to put on and remove personal protective equipment (PPE)
This is a guide for healthcare workers involved in patient care activities in a healthcare setting. It aims to show the type of personal protective equipment or PPE needed to correctly protect oneself.
https://openwho.org/courses/IPC-PPE-EN
Source: WHO
Last updated: Unknown
People warned about Covid-19 rise
People who live and work in Dudley borough are being urged to be cautious and get their vaccine when called, as Covid-19 cases continue to increase in the area.
https://www.dudley.gov.uk/news/people-warned-about-covid-19-rise/
Leisure centre no longer testing site
As Dudley leisure centre prepares to fully reopen for the first time in months and rapid testing is widely available, the centre will no longer be used as a symptom-free Covid-19 testing site.
https://www.dudley.gov.uk/news/leisure-centre-no-longer-testing-site/
Dudley Council and HSE supporting businesses to be Covid-secure
Dudley Council is working with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to check and ensure borough businesses have Covid-secure measures in place to help tackle coronavirus.
https://www.dudley.gov.uk/news/dudley-council-and-hse-supporting-businesses-to-be-covid-secure/
Home testing kits for all in Dudley borough
As Covid-19 restrictions begin to ease, Dudley Council health chiefs are urging borough residents to use home testing kits to protect their loved ones.
https://www.dudley.gov.uk/news/home-testing-kits-for-all-in-dudley-borough/
Pilot scheme to trace positive cases quicker
Dudley Council will join a national pilot project to help track down positive cases of coronavirus quicker and break chains of transmission.
https://www.dudley.gov.uk/news/pilot-scheme-to-trace-positive-cases-quicker/
Businesses able to test workforce
Businesses across the borough can now apply to test employees in the workplace to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
https://www.dudley.gov.uk/news/businesses-able-to-test-workforce/
Businesses praised for covid working
Nearly 1,000 businesses across Dudley borough have been praised after successfully meeting covid secure guidelines to help prevent outbreaks of the virus.
https://www.dudley.gov.uk/news/businesses-praised-for-covid-working/
Vaccination for unpaid carers
Unpaid carers across the borough could be eligible for the coronavirus vaccine as part of the ongoing vaccination programme.
https://www.dudley.gov.uk/news/vaccination-for-unpaid-carers/
Half a million pounds of support for people self-isolating
More than half a million pounds has been given to people across Dudley borough who have self-isolated and unable to work, figures revealed today.
https://www.dudley.gov.uk/news/half-a-million-pounds-of-support-for-people-self-isolating/
Lateral flow tests still available at selected pharmacies
People in Dudley can still take advantage of symptom free Covid-19 testing in Dudley borough, with extended appointment times now available at some test centres
https://www.dudley.gov.uk/news/lateral-flow-tests-still-available-at-selected-pharmacies/
Dudley residents encouraged to get Covid-19 tests when feeling unwell
People who live in Dudley borough are being invited to take a covid-19 test if they are feeling unwell, even if they are not displaying the three key symptoms.
Posted: 22/01/2021
Lateral flow tests still at selected pharmacies
Key workers and those who leave home for valid reasons can still book symptom free covid-19 tests in Dudley borough.
https://www.dudley.gov.uk/news/lateral-flow-tests-still-at-selected-pharmacies/
Last updated: 08/01/2021
People should “act like they’ve got it”
Dudley Council’s health bosses are sending a clear message – people should “act like they’ve got it” and stay at home to help protect the NHS and save lives.
Last night (Monday January 4), the Prime Minister announced a national lockdown to control the rapid rise in the number of coronavirus cases across the country.
The national lockdown means people should stay at home, only leaving their home if necessary and schools must close once again.
In Dudley borough, cases are still rising, in the week up to January 2 there were 600 cases per 100,000 which is a significant increase on previous weeks.
https://www.dudley.gov.uk/news/people-should-act-like-they-ve-got-it/
40 per cent of Dudley care homes have had cases of COVID-19
COUNCIL bosses have confirmed that nearly 40 per cent of Dudley's care homes have been hit by coronavirus since the outbreak began. Latest figures from the Office of National Statistics show there have been 56 deaths linked to COVID-19 in care facilities in the borough over the last few weeks and council chiefs have confirmed that 38 of Dudley's 95 homes have reported one or more cases of coronavirus since the virus hit Britain.
https://www.stourbridgenews.co.uk/news/18494192.40-per-cent-dudley-care-homes-cases-covid-19/
Source: Newspaper
Created: Unknown
Local Resources and Helpline
Coronavirus hotline (01384) 814444 - The phone line is for Dudley council staff, Dudley community volunteers services and providers of health and social care. The hotline will provide information around COVID-19, answer questions to support staff and provide sign posting if necessary
www.dudley.gov.uk/coronavirus - the dedicated web page is for the public which lists: news, information, advice and any disruption to council services
Source: MBC
Last updated: 26/03/20
Dudley CVS COVID-19 Community Action and Support
DudleyCVS has been asked to lead on co-ordinating the community response to COVID-19 in Dudley borough, working with existing voluntary and community groups and the volunteer centre and connecting people that need support to assets in their local community.
http://dudleycvsreview.org/covid-19-community-action-and-support/
Source: Voluntary Organisation
Last updated: Unknown
Coronavirus: Self-Employment Income Support Scheme
To support the self-employed through the coronavirus outbreak the Government has announced the Self-employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS). This will pay cash grants worth 80% of total profits, up to £2,500 per month over a three-month period starting from March 2020.
HMRC has issued updated guidance on the Scheme that says:
The scheme targets self-employed people or members of a partnership who have lost trading/partnership trading profits due to Coronavirus outbreak.
This scheme will pay direct cash grants to self-employed workers worth 80% of their profits, up to £2,500/month for three months, and may be extended “if necessary”.
You cannot apply for this scheme yet. HMRC will contact individuals it ascertains as being eligible for the scheme. They will then be invited to apply online. The Government has asked that people not contact HMRC to enquire about this support at this stage, as this will likely slow down the overall process.
The cash grant will be paid in a lump sum (worth up to £7,500) for the three months
Eligibility is limited to those people:
who are currently self-employed
submitted a tax return for 2018/19
make the majority of their income (over 50%) from self-employment
whose average earnings are less than £50,000 in the years in which they traded in the period 2016-19
The scheme will not apply to those who operate under a company structure and take dividends. The IFS says there are around 2 million of these owner-managed companies.
https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-8879/
Source: UK government
Last updated: 26/07/2021
COVID-19: management of staff and exposed patients and residents in health and social care settings
Guidance on the management of staff, patients and residents who have been exposed to COVID-19.
Source: UK Government
Last updated: 22/07/2021
Coronavirus (COVID-19): getting tested
Guidance on coronavirus testing, including who is eligible for a test, how to get tested and the different types of test available.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested
Source: UK government
Last updated: 08/07/2021
Survey on Knowledge and Psychological Crisis Related to COVID-19 among Nursing Staff: A Cross-sectional Study
Since December 2019, the prevalence of COVID-19 is rapidly spreading in the world. Nurses play a key role in fighting this disease and are at risk of infection by virus. Therefore, there is a urging need to assess their mental health condition and set up appropriate interventions to reduce the negative psychiatric outcomes.
https://preprints.jmir.org/preprint/20606/accepted
Source: Journal article
Created: 08/07/2020
Mental health care in the time of Covid-19
Since the beginning of the Covid-19 outbreak, mental health has received a lot of attention but the focus has been largely on the mental health of NHS staff and care workers, and the impact of lockdown on the population’s mental health and wellbeing rather than on people with existing mental health problems. On 27 April Matt Hancock announced that the NHS was once again ‘open’ starting with restoration of priority services such as cancer and mental health. But for those working in mental health services, the idea that they had ever stopped providing care was another example of a lack of understanding of the needs of people with mental health problems and the care being provided to support them.
https://www.kingsfund.org.uk/blog/2020/07/mental-health-care-time-covid-19
Source: The King’s Fund
Created: 03/07/2020
The Mental Health Effects of COVID-19 on Health Care Providers in China
The COVID-19 disease has resulted in an unprecedented shutdown in many cities and regions in China (1). In addition to concerns raised about the transmission of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), health care providers are also subject to isolation in and deployment to areas where the infection is epidemic. Reports of deaths of health care providers due to SARS-CoV-2 not only reflect the seriousness of the infection but also add to greater distress and burden, disproportionately on health care providers. Taken together, the health, well-being, and functioning of health care providers in China providing assistance to individuals affected by SARS-CoV-2 are at risk. Herein, we sought to evaluate measures of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and distress among health care providers providing care for individuals affected by SARS-CoV-2.
https://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.ajp.2020.20040374
Source: Journal article
Created: 01/07/2020
Stigma during the COVID-19 pandemic
Healthcare workers and patients who have survived COVID-19 are facing stigma and discrimination all over the world. Sanjeet Bagcchi reports.
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(20)30498-9/fulltext
Source: The Lancet
Created: July 2020
Reflecting on experiences of social distancing
One of our children, age 7 years, was asked if he wanted to talk to his friends online. “No!” he replied angrily, “what's the point if I can't touch them!?” While his exasperation may not be shared by all of us, it concerns something basic to human life: embodied interaction with other people. Many aspects of our lives that were once taken for granted have been profoundly altered by lockdowns and social distancing measures that are part of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Things as simple as hugging a friend, talking face-to-face, socialising freely, and travelling have been restricted in many countries. Even as social distancing measures are slowly relaxed, hesitation and anxiety remain. The situation has had a profound effect on our social relations. How might we better understand how people have experienced this seismic shift?
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)31485-9/fulltext
Source: The Lancet
Created: 30/06/2020
Digital approaches for mental health in the age of covid-19
Gold’s editorial on psychological first aid interventions recognises the major psychological consequences arising in the covid-19 pandemic.1 In this current climate, mounting effective mental health responses faces challenges, including the widespread reduction of available in-person mental health services and broad limitations in mobility as a result of the public health measures enacted.
Source: BMJ Letters
Created: 29/06/2020
Covid-19: recording their stories provides emotional benefit to healthcare workers
Kisely and colleagues’ meta-analysis reinforces the expectation that healthcare workers might experience substantial distress as a consequence of working with covid-19.1 One response to this is the use of “clinical debriefing.” Although clinical debriefing might seem to give immediate benefit, it can increase risk for post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of directing participants to engage with elements of trauma that they would rather avoid.2 In addition, it might not be easily accessible, and recipients might be reluctant to explore situations in which they made judgments that could be questioned.
Source: BMJ Letters
Created: 29/06/2020
Virtual Reality Exercise as a Coping Strategy for Health and Wellness Promotion in Older Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic
The December 2019 COVID-19 outbreak in China has led to worldwide quarantine, as recommended by local governments and the World Health Organization. Particularly affected are older adults (i.e., those aged ≥ 65 years) who are at elevated risk for various adverse health outcomes, including declines in motor ability and physical activity (PA) participation, increased obesity, impaired cognition, and various psychological disorders. Thus, given the secular increases in the older adult population, novel and effective intervention strategies are necessary to improve physical activity behaviors and health in this population. Virtual reality (VR)-integrated exercise is a promising intervention strategy, which has been utilized in healthcare fields like stroke rehabilitation and psychotherapy. Therefore, the purpose of this editorial is to synthesize recent research examining the efficacy and effectiveness of VR exercise in the promotion of favorable health outcomes among the older adults. Results indicate the application of VR exercise to facilitate improved physical outcomes (e.g., enhanced motor ability, reduced obesity), cognition and psychological outcomes. VR exercise has also been observed to be an effective intervention strategy for fall prevention in this population. Future research should employ more rigorous research designs to allow for a more robust quantitative synthesis of the effect of VR exercise on the preceding outcomes to elucidate which type(s) of VR-based PA interventions are most effective in promoting improved health outcomes among older adults. Findings from this study will better inform the development of technology-savvy PA programs for wellness promotion in older adults who practice social distancing and exercise from home under the unprecedented global health crisis
https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/9/6/1986
Source: Journal article
Created: 25/06/2020
Is Lockdown Bad for Social Anxiety in COVID-19 Regions?: A National Study in The SOR Perspective
Lockdown measures have been widely used to control and prevent virus transmission in pandemic regions. However, the psychological effects of lockdown measures have been neglected, and the related theoretical research lags behind the practice. The present study aimed to better understand the mechanism of social anxiety in pandemic regions where the lockdown measures were imposed, based on the conceptual framework of the Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR). For that, this research investigated how lockdown measures and psychological distance influenced social anxiety in the pandemic region. The Chinese national data was analyzed for the outcome. The results showed that (1) psychological distance mediated the relationship between pandemic COVID-19 severity and social anxiety, (2) lockdown measures buffered the detrimental effect of the COVID-19 pandemic severity on social anxiety, (3) lockdown measures moderated the mediation effect of psychological distancing on social anxiety caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. In conclusion, under the SOR framework, the lockdown measures had a buffer effect on social anxiety in pandemic regions, with the mediating role of psychological distancing
https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/17/12/4561
Source: Journal article
Created: 24/06/2020
Covid-19 could widen mental health inequalities for a generation, warns charity
The covid-19 pandemic could entrench and exacerbate inequalities in mental health for a generation unless action is taken, the Centre for Mental Health has warned. In a report published on Thursday, the charity warned that the lockdown would put greater pressure on groups whose mental health was already poor before covid-19 hit, such as women and children experiencing violence and abuse, and ethnic minority communities.
Source: BMJ
Created: 18/06/2020
COVID-19 workforce survey research report, 17 June 2020
This is report is part of a series of bi-weekly surveys of all councils in England, Wales and Northern Ireland collecting key workforce data on how the sector is responding to COVID-19.
https://www.local.gov.uk/covid-19-workforce-survey-research-report-17-june-2020
Source: Local Government Association
Last updated: 17/06/2020
Alcohol and Substance Use
Basics of excessive alcohol use
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/stress-coping/alcohol-use.html
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Created: 12/06/2020
COVID-19 Rapid Review - Video calls for reducing social isolation and loneliness in older people
Many countries have introduced restrictions on people’s movement to protect them from COVID-19. Visiting older friends and relatives may not possible. Can calling Grandma with a video call help her feel less lonely and isolated? Can video calls affect symptoms of depression or quality of life? What does the evidence say?
Source: Cochrane
05/06/2020
The Outbreak of COVID-19 Coronavirus and Its Impact on Global Mental Health
The current outbreak of COVID-19 coronavirus infection among humans in Wuhan (China) and its spreading around the globe is heavily impacting on the global health and mental health. Despite all resources employed to counteract the spreading of the virus, additional global strategies are needed to handle the related mental health issues.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32233719/
Source: PubMed
Created: June 2020
Free Parking for the NHS and care workers
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic the Government has launched the HM Government Coronavirus Parking Pass which is to be distributed to all eligible NHS staff, health and social care workers and volunteers.
Alongside this, The IPC have created a website that shows the location of over 10,000 parking facilities throughout the UK where all NHS staff, care workers and Volunteer Responders can park for free during the coronavirus pandemic, along with providing information on how to access these free parking facilities.
The free parking facilities listed on the website have been donated from a range of parking providers including local authorities, private car park operators, landowners and universities.
Source: Email
Last updated: 28/04/20
How are you feeling today NHS? toolkit
It’s easier to recognise someone’s physical wellbeing than their emotional wellbeing. We also find it much easier to engage in conversations about physical health, but often find talking about emotional wellbeing to be more of a challenge. The implications of decreased emotional wellbeing are detrimental as it can contribute to mental health and stress concerns, it is important to ensure good staff wellbeing by encouraging conversation in the workplace.
https://www.nhsemployers.org/howareyoufeelingnhs
Source: NHS
Created: 14/01/19
Every Mind Matters: Looking after your mental health
Having good mental health helps us relax more, achieve more and enjoy our lives more. We have expert advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing.
https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/
Source: NHS
Last updated: Unknown
Coronavirus: Self-Employment Income Support Scheme
To support the self-employed through the coronavirus outbreak the Government has announced the Self-employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS). This will pay cash grants worth 80% of total profits, up to £2,500 per month over a three-month period starting from March 2020.
HMRC has issued updated guidance on the Scheme that says:
The scheme targets self-employed people or members of a partnership who have lost trading/partnership trading profits due to Coronavirus outbreak.
This scheme will pay direct cash grants to self-employed workers worth 80% of their profits, up to £2,500/month for three months, and may be extended “if necessary”.
You cannot apply for this scheme yet. HMRC will contact individuals it ascertains as being eligible for the scheme. They will then be invited to apply online. The Government has asked that people not contact HMRC to enquire about this support at this stage, as this will likely slow down the overall process.
The cash grant will be paid in a lump sum (worth up to £7,500) for the three months
Eligibility is limited to those people:
who are currently self-employed
submitted a tax return for 2018/19
make the majority of their income (over 50%) from self-employment
whose average earnings are less than £50,000 in the years in which they traded in the period 2016-19
The scheme will not apply to those who operate under a company structure and take dividends. The IFS says there are around 2 million of these owner-managed companies.
https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-8879/
Source: UK Government
Last updated: 26/07/2021
COVID-19: management of staff and exposed patients and residents in health and social care settings
Guidance on the management of staff, patients and residents who have been exposed to COVID-19.
Source: UK Government
Last updated: 22/07/2021
Covid-19: Social care’s forgotten workers—they matter too
We rightfully celebrate our centenarians and veterans such as Sir Tom Moore. Ironically, we forget that many of these people are cared for, in their homes or in care homes, by social care workers. Why then are social care workers so invisible, forgotten, and undervalued? Currently of the 1.5 million people employed in the care sector, approximately 840,000 general care workers are caring for approximately 420,000 vulnerable people in care homes.
https://blogs.bmj.com/bmj/2020/07/02/covid-19-social-cares-forgotten-workers-their-lives-matter-too/
Source: BMJ
Created: 02/07/2020
Covid-19 and the problem of employee silence in healthcare
Healthcare professionals during covid-19 have had to cope with an extra burden beyond providing care. There is evidence that they have been instructed to keep silent about the lack of PPE equipment [1-4]. The pressure put on healthcare workers to keep quiet about the shortage of equipment raises the larger issue of how big a problem is employee silence in healthcare.
https://blogs.bmj.com/bmj/2020/06/23/covid-19-and-the-problem-of-employee-silence-in-healthcare/
Source: BMJ
Created: 23/06/2020
COVID-19: Psychological First Aid
Get psychological first aid (PFA) training and help people with different needs to cope with the emotional impact of COVID-19.
https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/psychological-first-aid-covid-19/1
Source: Future Learn
Accessible Information on Coronavirus
Information and resources for disabled people during Coronavirus
https://www.sense.org.uk/get-support/information-and-advice/accessible-information-on-coronavirus/
Source: Sense
Health Education England Accessible Formats
Coronavirus information in pictures, easy read, BSL and Makaton
https://library.nhs.uk/coronavirus-resources/accessible-formats-2/
Source: HEE
Updated: Unknown
Staying well at home
Easy read guidance. Please note, this guidance is based on advice which no longer current but may still be useful if used selectively.
https://easy-read-online.co.uk/media/53250/free-document-on-staying-well-at-home-easy-read_v1c.pdf
Source: Training provider
Last updated: Unknown
Guidance for food businesses on coronavirus (COVID-19)
Although it is very unlikely that coronavirus is transmitted through food, as a matter of good hygiene practice anyone handling food should wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This should be done as a matter of routine, before and after handling food, and especially after being in a public place, blowing their nose, coughing, or sneezing.
Source: UK Government
Last updated: 21/05/2021
Action Fraud
The latest news and updates from Action Fraud
https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/news
Source: Charity
Last updated: 30/06/21
Coronavirus (COVID-19): fraud and cyber crime
This guidance explains simple steps you can take to protect yourself and your business against fraud and cyber crime and where to get help.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-fraud-and-cyber-crime
Source: UK government
Last updated: 27/04/20
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public: Myth busters
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters
Source: WHO
Last updated: Ongoing
Share Checklist
Just because a story appears online, doesn’t mean it is true. The internet is great, but it can also be used to spread misleading news and content. Protect yourself and your friends from false information about coronavirus. Use the SHARE checklist to make sure you don't feed the beast.
https://sharechecklist.gov.uk/
Source: UK government
Last updated: Unknown