Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Stella Creasy (Labour) on Thursday, 18 June 2020, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 23 June 2020 (named day). A holding answer was provided on Tuesday, 23 June 2020. A substantive answer was provided by Helen Whately (Conservative) on Monday, 29 June 2020 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Care Homes: Coronavirus

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what guidance his Department has issued on covid-19 testing for people who have relatives in care homes; and when people will be able to visit those homes.

Answer

Anyone with suspected COVID-19 symptoms can access testing by using the self-referral portal. More information is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

While we have recommended that care homes limit non-essential visits, we are clear that visits at the end of life are important both for the individual and their loved ones and should continue with appropriate infection control precautions.

We are aware that limiting visits in care homes is difficult for many families and residents who want to see their loved ones.

We are reviewing our policy on visitors and are looking to update our guidance shortly and continuing to explore how we support the sector.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
61490
Session
2019-21
Subjects
Care homes Disease control Screening Coronavirus
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk