Expansion of COVID-19 testing in care settings

Nursing and care homes 1 Minute

At the government’s daily COVID-19 briefing yesterday, the Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced a further expansion of its testing programme for COVID-19 in care settings.   Previously the focus had been on care homes providing care for over 65s and for those with dementia.  Testing will now be available for all residents and staff in England whether or not they have symptoms of COVID-19.  Testing will also be extended to under 65s and to encompass for example adults with a learning disability or with mental health problems.

The government has also set up a taskforce with representatives from the care sector and government to help oversee the government’s plan to end transmission of COVID-19 for all those in receipt of care.

Under questioning from the media, Mr Hancock insisted it was safe for new residents to move into care homes and that the epidemic of COVID-19 in care homes was being brought under control.

Last week we reported on our blog that data from the CQC showed in April and May an increase in deaths of adults with learning disabilities and/or autism in comparison to the same period in 2019.  That appeared to be mainly due to deaths from COVID-19.   We would hope that yesterday’s announcement regarding increased testing will help to stem the transmission of COVID-19 in care settings for learning disabilities.

What yesterday’s announcement doesn’t cover specifically however is testing provision for the domiciliary care sector.  Domiciliary care workers can self refer for a COVID-19 test if they are suffering symptoms.   It’s unclear what the testing position is with people who receive care at home and whether they can have a COVID-19 test even if they do not have symptoms.   We await to see whether testing will be extended in this area.

Increased testing is likely to pick up previously unknown transmissions of COVID-19.  What this may mean in terms of claims is a wait and see. Clearly there will be arguments that these steps should have been taken much sooner.

Further information on this announcement can be found here.

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Written by Jennifer Johnston at BLM

jennifer.johnston@blmlaw.com

 

Published by BLM

BLM is an insurance risk and commercial law firm with both a domestic and international focus. We now work with an increasing number of clients, across more lines of business, in more locations throughout the UK and Ireland as well as across the world, than ever before. Our philosophy is to deliver positive outcomes for our clients and help them make their businesses more successful. Fundamentally we are helping them to reduce the time and money spent on managing risk and resolving disputes, whilst offering a practical, commercial and solutions driven approach to non-contentious business law. Our transparency of purpose, flexible approach and teamwork has allowed BLM to grow, whilst keeping our clients at the heart of what we do. We have established a deep-rooted presence in the general insurance sector, the London Market and amongst brokers. We also have a significant presence among corporate businesses many of whom are multi-national, the public sector and the health and care industry. BLM is widely recognised in client surveys and legal directories as a firm with “its finger on the pulse of the market” and as a “technical powerhouse”. OUR VISION To be an agile and creative law business in our chosen markets of insurance and commerce OUR PROMISE We provide solutions that are clear and concise; deliver a service that is consistent and reliable; and build connected relationships that are strong and enduring OUR VALUES Teamwork - We are in it together to support, implement and achieve Courage - We have the strength to challenge the conventional, be confident in our actions and inspire along the way Focus - We ensure clarity of purpose, total commitment, delivering a positive impact

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