CHW105-COVID-19 Management Policy

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

COVID-19 Management Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide clear guidance on the prevention, management, and response to COVID-19 within {{org_field_name}}, ensuring compliance with the latest Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) regulations, Public Health Wales (PHW) guidance, and the Welsh Government’s Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Framework. This policy is designed to safeguard residents, staff, and visitors while maintaining high standards of care and minimising the risk of infection outbreaks.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all employees, residents, visitors, contractors, and healthcare professionals operating within {{org_field_name}}. It covers infection prevention measures, staff responsibilities, resident protection, outbreak management, vaccination strategies, and reporting requirements. This policy ensures that all necessary precautions are taken to mitigate the risks associated with COVID-19 and protect vulnerable individuals.

3. Related Policies

This policy should be read alongside the following:

CHW17 – Infection Prevention and Control Policy: Guidelines on hygiene, PPE usage, and sanitation practices.
CHW18 – Risk Management and Assessment Policy: Identifying and mitigating risks associated with COVID-19.
CHW23 – Lone Working and Staff Safety Policy: Ensuring staff safety in isolation scenarios.
CHW33 – Staff Leave and Absence Policy: Managing COVID-19-related sick leave and self-isolation.
CHW36 – Communication and Engagement with Service Users and Families Policy: Maintaining transparent communication during outbreaks.
CHW25 – Notification of Other Incidents Policy: Ensuring regulatory compliance in reporting outbreaks.

4. Policy Statement

{{org_field_name}} is committed to protecting the health and safety of residents, staff, and visitors by implementing robust infection prevention and outbreak management strategies. Our COVID-19 policy follows national and local guidelines, ensuring that care home operations remain as safe as possible while providing high-quality, person-centred care. We will continue to review and adapt our approach based on the latest public health advice and emerging variants of the virus.

5. COVID-19 Prevention Measures

To minimise the risk of transmission, {{org_field_name}} implements the following prevention measures:

Hand Hygiene: Staff, residents, and visitors must follow handwashing protocols using soap and water or hand sanitiser stations placed throughout the premises.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Appropriate PPE, including masks, gloves, and aprons, must be worn according to PHW guidance.
Cleaning and Disinfection: Frequent cleaning of high-touch surfaces, communal areas, and resident rooms using hospital-grade disinfectants.
Ventilation: Ensuring good airflow in indoor areas by keeping windows open and using air purifiers where needed.
Social Distancing: Where necessary, maintaining social distancing measures during outbreaks, particularly in communal areas.
Resident Screening and Testing: Routine monitoring of residents for symptoms and timely testing where required.
Staff Testing: Regular testing schedules in place for staff, particularly during periods of high community transmission.
Visitor Management: Controlled visitation policies, including screening at entry points and providing PPE where needed.

6. Staff Responsibilities and Workplace Safety

All staff at {{org_field_name}} are required to adhere to the following COVID-19 safety measures:

Self-Monitoring for Symptoms: Staff must report any symptoms immediately and refrain from coming to work if symptomatic.
Regular Testing Compliance: Staff must participate in testing programmes as directed by public health authorities.
Vaccination Encouragement: Employees are encouraged to receive COVID-19 vaccinations and booster doses to protect themselves and residents.
Isolation Compliance: Staff must follow self-isolation requirements if they test positive or are identified as close contacts of confirmed cases.
Mandatory Training: All staff receive up-to-date training on infection prevention, PPE use, and outbreak management.

7. Resident Protection Measures

Residents are among the most vulnerable to COVID-19. {{org_field_name}} implements specific measures to protect them:

Cohorting Strategies: In the event of a confirmed case, affected residents may be isolated in designated areas to prevent further spread.
Well-being and Social Support: Maintaining engagement through virtual activities, designated visiting areas, and mental health support.
Vaccination and Booster Clinics: Coordinating with healthcare providers to ensure residents receive vaccinations and boosters.
Regular Health Checks: Monitoring residents for COVID-19 symptoms and providing rapid intervention if needed.

8. Outbreak Management and Response Plan

An outbreak is defined as two or more linked cases of COVID-19 in the care home setting. In the event of an outbreak, {{org_field_name}} follows a structured outbreak response:

Immediate Risk Assessment: Conducted by the Registered Manager in consultation with local health protection teams.
Case Isolation: Infected individuals are isolated in accordance with Public Health Wales guidance.
Contact Tracing: Identifying close contacts and implementing appropriate quarantine measures.
Testing Protocols: Whole-home testing initiated for residents and staff, with repeat testing as necessary.
Increased Infection Control Measures: Enhanced cleaning and PPE requirements during an outbreak.
Communication with Families: Notifying families of affected residents and providing regular updates.
Regulatory Notification: Reporting the outbreak to Care Inspectorate Wales and Public Health Wales as required.

9. Visitor and Family Engagement

To balance infection control with resident well-being, {{org_field_name}} has implemented a structured visitor policy:

Pre-Screening of Visitors: Temperature checks and symptom screening at entry points.
Use of PPE: Visitors may be required to wear masks or other protective gear in designated areas.
Outdoor and Designated Indoor Visitation Areas: Where possible, visits take place in well-ventilated or outdoor areas.
Virtual Visitation Options: Facilitating video calls and digital communication when in-person visits are restricted.

10. COVID-19 Vaccination Strategy

Vaccination is a key measure in reducing the severity and spread of COVID-19. {{org_field_name}} actively supports and promotes:

Staff and Resident Vaccination: Working with health authorities to ensure timely vaccinations and boosters.
Informed Decision-Making: Providing educational materials to staff and residents to address concerns about vaccines.
Record-Keeping: Maintaining accurate records of vaccination status for staff and residents to ensure compliance with health regulations.

11. Training and Competency

All staff receive mandatory training on:

COVID-19 symptoms, transmission, and prevention strategies.
Proper use of PPE and hand hygiene protocols.
How to manage a COVID-19 outbreak within the care home.
Mental health support for residents affected by isolation.

12. Compliance and Monitoring

To ensure adherence to the COVID-19 management policy, {{org_field_name}} implements:

Regular Internal Audits: Reviewing compliance with infection control measures.
Incident Reporting: Ensuring staff report any breaches or concerns immediately.
Quality Assurance Reviews: Evaluating effectiveness of COVID-19 management strategies and updating protocols as needed.
CIW Inspection Readiness: Ensuring all policies and procedures meet CIW standards for infection control and outbreak management.

13. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed quarterly or sooner if new guidance is issued by CIW, Public Health Wales, or the Welsh Government. Any updates will be communicated to all staff and stakeholders.

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}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.