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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 to protect service users, staff, and visitors while ensuring the continuity of domiciliary care services. This policy complies with the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016, Public Health Wales (PHW) guidance, Welsh Government COVID-19 regulations, and Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) best practices.

The policy ensures that infection prevention and control (IPC) measures, staff training, and emergency response protocols are in place to minimise transmission risks and safeguard the health and well-being of service users and employees.

2. Scope

This policy applies to: All staff, including care workers, managers, and office personnel. Service users receiving care and their families or representatives. Visitors, healthcare professionals, and external contractors interacting with service users.

It covers: Infection prevention and control (IPC) measures. Testing and symptom monitoring. Vaccination policy and promotion. PPE usage and management. Staff training and competency. Response to suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases. Safe working practices in domiciliary care. Mental health and well-being support. Compliance with Welsh Government and CIW guidelines.

3. Principles of COVID-19 Management

3.1 Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Measures

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, {{org_field_name}} implements strict infection control procedures, including:

• Hand hygiene protocols: Staff must wash or sanitise hands before and after providing care, after removing PPE, and after touching any high-contact surfaces.
• Enhanced cleaning procedures: Service user homes and office environments must be regularly disinfected, focusing on high-touch areas such as door handles, mobility aids, and bathroom fixtures.
• Ventilation: Rooms should be well-ventilated where possible to reduce airborne transmission risks.
• Social distancing: Where practical, staff should maintain a safe distance when not providing personal care.

All IPC measures align with Public Health Wales and CIW infection control standards to protect vulnerable individuals receiving domiciliary care.

3.2 Testing and Symptom Monitoring

Regular testing and monitoring help prevent outbreaks and identify cases early. {{org_field_name}} follows the latest Welsh Government testing protocols, including:

• Symptom screening: All staff must self-monitor for symptoms before attending work and report any COVID-19 symptoms immediately.
• Service user symptom checks: If a service user exhibits symptoms, staff must document this and escalate concerns to a Registered Manager or healthcare professional.
• Routine testing: Staff and service users identified as at higher risk may be required to participate in regular COVID-19 testing, depending on public health guidance.
• Clear reporting procedures: Positive test results must be reported to Public Health Wales and logged for contact tracing purposes.

3.3 Vaccination Policy and Promotion

Vaccination is a key measure in reducing severe illness and transmission risks. {{org_field_name}} encourages all staff and service users to be fully vaccinated and receive booster doses where applicable.

• Education and awareness: Staff are provided with up-to-date information on the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination and how to access vaccines.
• Facilitating access: Where possible, {{org_field_name}} supports service users in attending vaccination appointments.
• Recording vaccination status: Employees may be asked to provide proof of vaccination status where legally required.

Although vaccination is not mandatory, it is strongly encouraged to protect staff and service users.

3.4 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Usage and Management

The correct use of PPE is essential in preventing COVID-19 transmission. Staff must:

• Wear appropriate PPE, including masks, gloves, aprons, and visors when providing personal care.
• Change PPE between service users to prevent cross-contamination.
• Dispose of used PPE safely in accordance with infection control regulations.
• Report any PPE shortages immediately to management.

Regular audits ensure staff compliance with PPE protocols, and supplies are continuously monitored to prevent shortages.

3.5 Staff Training and Competency in COVID-19 Management

All staff must receive regular training on COVID-19 protocols, covering:

• Recognising symptoms and responding appropriately.
• Proper use of PPE and hand hygiene techniques.
• Safe working practices when providing domiciliary care.
• Infection control and outbreak prevention.

Training must be updated regularly to reflect the latest public health guidance and CIW regulations.

3.6 Response to Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19 Cases

If a service user or staff member tests positive for COVID-19, {{org_field_name}} follows a structured response plan:

1. Immediate isolation: The affected individual must self-isolate in line with Welsh Government guidance.
2. Contact tracing and notification: Relevant stakeholders, including Public Health Wales, CIW, and close contacts, must be informed.
3. Enhanced cleaning procedures: The affected environment must be deep cleaned to minimise risk.
4. Testing and monitoring: Staff and service users who may have been exposed must be tested and monitored for symptoms.
5. Service continuity planning: Alternative staffing arrangements must be in place to ensure ongoing care provision if a staff member is required to isolate.

Clear escalation procedures ensure timely intervention and regulatory compliance.

3.7 Safe Working Practices in Domiciliary Care

To maintain safety while delivering home care services, staff must:

• Avoid unnecessary physical contact where possible while still ensuring effective care delivery.
• Follow infection control guidelines when handling food, personal items, or medical equipment.
• Minimise the number of different carers assigned to each service user to reduce exposure risks.
• Maintain a COVID-19 risk assessment for each service user, ensuring that individualised safety measures are in place.

These preventative measures reduce the risk of infection while ensuring essential care services continue.

3.8 Mental Health and Well-being Support

The pandemic has increased stress and anxiety for both service users and staff. {{org_field_name}} provides:

• Access to mental health support resources.
• Regular well-being check-ins for staff and service users.
• Flexible working options where possible to support staff well-being.

By prioritising mental health, {{org_field_name}} ensures that employees remain resilient and service users receive compassionate care.

3.9 Compliance with Welsh Government and CIW Guidelines

{{org_field_name}} ensures full compliance with the latest Welsh Government and CIW COVID-19 regulations, including:

• Submitting required COVID-19 reports to regulatory bodies.
• Regularly updating policies based on changing guidance.
• Conducting internal audits to monitor compliance with infection control protocols.

Failure to follow COVID-19 management protocols may result in disciplinary action in accordance with the Disciplinary and Grievance Policy (DCW31).

4. Efficiency in Managing COVID-19 Risks

To ensure efficient COVID-19 management, {{org_field_name}} implements:

• Digital tracking systems for symptom monitoring and PPE stock management.
• Real-time updates for staff on changing COVID-19 regulations.
• Rapid response teams to handle outbreaks or infection concerns.
• Regular policy reviews to ensure best practice is maintained.

These measures safeguard staff, service users, and the wider community, ensuring continuity of care and regulatory compliance.

5. Related Policies

This policy should be read alongside: Infection Prevention and Control Policy (DCW17), Emergency and Business Continuity Plan (DCW19), Risk Management and Assessment Policy (DCW18), Staff Health and Well-being Policy (DCW25).

6. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed quarterly, or sooner if public health guidance or regulatory requirements change.

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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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