COVID-19 (Coranavirus) Awareness Bulletin for Care Home Providers
A weekly bulletin produced by knowledgeservices@dudley.gov.uk on Wednesday 10th August 2022. Containing information from Wednesday 3rd August 2022.
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)
Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/coronavirus-vaccine/
Last updated: 21/07/2022
Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing for adult social care settings
Outlines the COVID-19 testing available for testing staff, residents and visitors for all adult social care settings.
Last updated: 09/05/2022
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: 01/04/2022
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: 18/11/2020
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: 13/10/2020
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
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: 23/06/2022
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: 17/03/2020
Coronavirus (Covid-19) guidance for people with cancer
https://www.macmillan.org.uk/coronavirus/cancer-and-coronavirus
Source: UK charity
Last updated: 21/01/2022
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: 07/04/2020
Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/coronavirus-vaccine/
Last updated: 21/07/2022
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: 01/04/2022
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: 01/04/2022
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: 11/11/2020
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
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
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
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
Spring booster jabs available now as COVID rates rise in Dudley
Spring booster jabs of the COVID-19 vaccine are now available for priority groups as infection rates in Dudley borough begin to rise.
https://www.dudley.gov.uk/news/spring-booster-jabs-available-now-as-covid-rates-rise-in-dudley/
Women’s only covid vaccine clinic
A women’s only covid vaccine clinic will be held weekly at Saltwells Education Centre from Thursday (February 3)
https://www.dudley.gov.uk/news/women-s-only-covid-vaccine-clinic/
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: 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: 18/07/2022
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: 27/08/2021
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: 14/01/2019
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
COVID-19: workplace testing terms and conditions
The latest terms and conditions plus standard operating procedure for coronavirus (COVID-19) workplace testing.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/workplace-testing-terms-and-conditions
Last updated: 27/07/2022
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:18/07/2022
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
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
Action Fraud
The latest news and updates from Action Fraud
https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/news
Source: Charity
Last updated:04/08/2022
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: 19/01/2022
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