Extension of mask wearing and testing requirements in our homes
Following our decision to continue to use masks, and reintroduce testing over the Christmas and New Year period, we have decided that with the continued level of community infections, the limited capacity of our local hospitals, strikes and long ambulance waits, we will continue to wear masks and conduct asymptomatic testing for another month.
The following infection control measures will therefore continue:
- Staff and visitors to continue to wear masks in all WCS care homes
- LFD 72 hour testing for staff
- Precautionary 72 hour LFD testing for visitors (we can provide tests)
- Visitors not wishing/unable to take a test will be offered visits in pods or private rooms and asked to avoid communal areas where there are other vulnerable residents
These measures will be reviewed again on 22nd February.
Cases are still high compared with the start of the pandemic. However, with cases beginning to decline they’re heading in the right direction for our review date in February. We know Covid may not be impacting a majority of people significantly now, however our residents are far more vulnerable due to other health conditions, so unnecessarily contracting Covid is something we still want to avoid.
We will balance this decision with the barrier effect masks create to communication and normal life living in a care home and are looking forward to removing masks as soon as possible. Thank you for your continued support in helping to keep residents and staff safe.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to speak to your home’s management team.