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{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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COVID-19 Management Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to outline how {{org_field_name}} manages the risks associated with COVID-19 while ensuring the highest standards of infection prevention, care quality, and safety for people we support, staff, and visitors. This policy ensures compliance with the latest UK government guidelines, CQC regulations, and Public Health England (PHE) advice.

This policy aims to:

• Prevent the transmission of COVID-19 within the care home.
• Protect the health and well-being of people we support, staff, and visitors.
• Ensure early identification, isolation, and management of suspected or confirmed cases.
• Maintain safe staffing levels and continuity of care during outbreaks.
• Follow national infection prevention and control (IPC) guidance.
• Implement vaccination and testing protocols in line with NHS and government recommendations.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All staff, including permanent, agency, and voluntary workers.
• People we support, ensuring their care needs are met safely.
• Visitors, contractors, and external healthcare professionals entering the care home.
• Management and leadership teams, responsible for overseeing compliance.

3. Legal and Regulatory Compliance

This policy is fully aligned with the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 and includes:

• Regulation 12 (Safe Care and Treatment) – Ensures infection prevention and control procedures are in place​.
• Regulation 15 (Premises and Equipment) – Requires the environment to be safe, clean, and well-maintained​.
• Regulation 17 (Good Governance) – Ensures effective monitoring, auditing, and risk assessments related to COVID-19​.
• Regulation 18 (Staffing) – Ensures adequate staffing levels and training in infection control​.
• Regulation 10 (Dignity and Respect) – Ensures people we support are treated with compassion, even during isolation​.
• Health Protection (Coronavirus) Regulations 2020 – Provides a legal framework for managing COVID-19 outbreaks in care settings.
• Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Standards – Outlines best practices for hygiene and outbreak management.

4. COVID-19 Prevention Measures

4.1. Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Protocols

Strict IPC procedures are in place to prevent COVID-19 transmission:

• Hand hygiene: Staff, people we support, and visitors must follow regular handwashing and sanitisation routines.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Staff must wear masks, gloves, aprons, and visors as per risk assessments.
• Enhanced cleaning schedules: Frequently touched surfaces (e.g., door handles, handrails, call bells) are disinfected at least every two hours.
• Social distancing measures: Where practical, physical distancing is maintained between individuals to reduce the risk of exposure.

4.2. Staff Testing and Screening

• Routine testing: Staff undergo regular COVID-19 testing as per government guidance.
• Symptom monitoring: Any staff member displaying symptoms must immediately self-isolate and take a PCR or lateral flow test.
• Return-to-work procedures: Staff who test positive must follow self-isolation guidelines before returning to work.

4.3. Vaccination Programme

• All staff and people we support are encouraged to receive COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters in line with NHS recommendations.
• Vaccination records are maintained to track compliance and support risk assessments.
• Exemptions are respected, but alternative protective measures (e.g., additional PPE, increased testing) may be required.

5. Managing Suspected or Confirmed Cases of COVID-19

5.1. Identifying and Responding to COVID-19 Symptoms

If a person we support develops symptoms, staff must:

• Isolate the individual in a designated area or their own room.
• Immediately notify the manager and document symptoms.
• Arrange for a COVID-19 test, following NHS guidance.
• Ensure PPE is used at all times when providing care to the symptomatic individual.

If a staff member develops symptoms, they must:

• Stop working immediately, inform management, and take a test.
• Follow self-isolation guidance until cleared to return to work.

5.2. Isolation and Cohorting Strategies

• People with confirmed COVID-19 are isolated for the recommended period or until they test negative.
• Dedicated staff teams may be assigned to care for infected individuals, preventing cross-contamination.
• People we support should not be left socially isolated, and staff must ensure they receive regular emotional support.

5.3. Contact Tracing and Outbreak Management

• The Registered Manager reports all confirmed cases to the local Public Health team and CQC.
• Contact tracing is initiated, and all close contacts are tested and monitored for symptoms.
• Risk assessments are updated, and further infection control measures are implemented if needed.

6. Visitors and External Professionals

6.1. Safe Visiting Policies

{{org_field_name}} follows government guidelines for visitors, ensuring a balance between safety and maintaining contact for people we support.

• Pre-booked visits are encouraged, and visitors must follow safety protocols.
• Temperature checks and hand sanitisation are required on entry.
• Masks and PPE may be required during visits, depending on risk levels.
• Outdoor or designated visiting areas are preferred to reduce risks.
• Compassionate visits for end-of-life care are always supported, with appropriate infection control measures in place.

6.2. External Healthcare and Essential Services

• GPs, community nurses, and therapists may continue visits but must comply with the home’s IPC measures.
• Emergency services are allowed immediate access, with infection control precautions taken as necessary.

7. Staffing, Training, and Well-being

7.1. Training and Staff Support

All staff receive mandatory training in:

• COVID-19 symptoms, transmission, and risk factors.
• Proper use and disposal of PPE.
• Hygiene and cleaning protocols.
• Mental health and well-being support for both staff and people we support.

7.2. Staff Well-being and Mental Health Support

• Staff have access to counselling services and mental health support.
• Workloads are monitored to reduce stress and burnout.
• Flexible working options are provided where possible to accommodate personal circumstances.

8. Monitoring, Auditing, and Compliance

• Daily health checks are conducted for people we support and staff.
• Weekly audits of infection control practices ensure compliance with CQC and NHS guidelines.
• Incident reports are reviewed, and lessons learned are applied to improve future COVID-19 management.
• Feedback from people we support, families, and staff is used to refine infection control strategies.

9. Related Policies

This policy should be read alongside:

• CH11 – Safe Care and Treatment Policy​.
• CH17 – Infection Prevention and Control Policy​.
• CH16 – Health and Safety at Work Policy​.
• CH27 – Staff Supervision, Training, and Development Policy​.
• CH10 – Visiting and Accompanying in Care Homes Policy​.

10. Policy Review

This policy is reviewed quarterly or sooner if government guidance, CQC regulations, or public health advice changes. Any updates are communicated to all staff, visitors, and people we support.

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Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
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