Face masks and PPE still needed in Devon's care homes

Some Covid restrictions will remain in place in Devon's care homes beyond Monday, July 19.

The requirement to wear face coverings and socially distance in public places is due to end on that date.

In care homes, July 19 also sees the end of the visiting limit of five named visitors for each resident.

But care home providers say their residents are extremely vulnerable and while visits from family and friends are important, the homes must protect residents from Covid-19 and other infectious illnesses currently circulating in the community.

This means visitors will have to wear face coverings unless exempt, to socially distance, to wear Personal Protective Equipment if needed, to follow hand hygiene guidance, and to check in for Test and Trace purposes.

'The risk is still very much present'

Lucy Bull of the Devon Care Home Collaboration said: "Care homes by nature are homes to many of our most vulnerable residents. We've been working with our members to support the ever-changing guidance on visitors and PPE in care homes.

"So whilst it's understandable that most of the country will be opening up on the 19th July, those of us in the care sector are very aware that the risk is still very present.

"All residents have been offered double vaccinations, as have all of our staff. But vaccinations alone are not sufficient to prevent people catching coronavirus and spreading it.

"If residents, many who have underlying health concerns, develop coronavirus, they may become seriously ill.

"If care workers catch coronavirus, or they develop symptoms of having coronavirus, they have to self-isolate, putting more pressure on the rest of the care team. So there are also workforce implications, and good reasons to keep the measures in place that minimise risk."

The UK government has stated that Covid-19 vaccines are significantly reducing the link between infections and severe disease and death. However, it has also warned that the pandemic is not over. Cases are currently rising, as are hospitalisations. The government has stated that cases, hospitalisations and, sadly, deaths, are likely rise further as society and the economy reopen.

Covid restrictions to remain in place at GP surgeries

Councillor James McInnes, Devon County Council's Cabinet Member with responsibility for adult care and health, said: "Care homes are one, but there are other settings including GP practices, that will still require people to follow the current public health measures beyond 19 July, specifically around the wearing of face coverings and social distancing.

"And that's for obvious reasons. Coronavirus and other airborne viruses spread easily indoors and where people are in close proximity to each other. Bringing coronavirus into a care home is the last thing anyone wants, so it's vital that measures to prevent that remain in place.

The lifting of restrictions marks a new phase in the Government's response to the pandemic, during which people need to manage the risks to themselves and others as the country learns to live with the virus.

The Government's advisory guidance under Step 4 of the roadmap out of lockdown includes meeting in well-ventilated spaces, wearing a face covering in enclosed and crowded spaces, regular handwashing, staying at home if you are unwell and considering people's individual risks such as clinical vulnerabilities.