New Covid Rules Hit Care Homes as Omicron Cases Soar
The Government is ramping up Covid-19 restrictions in care homes amid rising Omicron cases. The Department of Health and Social Care slammed the new measures as necessary to “balance the current Covid-19 risk and keep people safe” following expert advice.
Care Home Rules Tightened From Wednesday
With Omicron infections hitting a record 448 cases in a single day, fresh guidance will take effect this Wednesday. The rules aim to shield care homes from the rapid spread of the Omicron 1 variant.
Stricter Testing and Visitor Limits Under Plan C?
- Staff testing will jump from two lateral flow tests a week to three, plus a weekly PCR test.
- Visitors may soon be limited to just three people per care home, sparking fears more restrictions are coming under the suspected ‘Plan C’.
- Vaccine passports for smaller venues such as pubs could also be part of the clampdown.
Boosters, Testing & Millions in Funding Support
Specialist vaccination teams are expanding to ensure all care home residents, staff, and housebound patients get booster shots promptly.
Fully vaccinated visitors and residents returning from outings will need to take lateral flow tests every other day for two weeks. Unvaccinated visitors face mandatory isolation after visits.
Plus, care homes will receive a £300 million fund to cover bonuses, pay rises, overtime, and staff recruitment efforts until the end of March.
The Government’s tough new actions come as the UK braces for another wave of Covid challenges this winter, with experts watching closely to see if a full rollout of Plan C restrictions is next.
