Care Homes Grab Extra £546 Million to Fight COVID This Winter
England’s care providers are getting a massive cash boost to battle COVID-19 through the chilly months. An extra £546 million has been pumped into the Infection Control Fund, now extended to March 2021. This tops up the fund to more than £1.1 billion aimed at stopping the virus in its tracks in care homes.
What the Money Will Do
- Pay care staff full wages while self-isolating
- Help restrict staff to working in just one care home
- Reduce COVID spread among residents and workers
The goal: keep vulnerable adults and hard-working carers safe by limiting virus transmission inside care settings.
Government Promises Greater Protection
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “From the very beginning we have done everything possible to make sure our social care system is protected and has the resources it needs to keep our brilliant workforce and those they care for safe.”
He added, “This new funding will support not only care home residents, but also some of the most vulnerable in society living at home and in supported living. I know this will give peace of mind to so many.”
Care Minister Praise and Extra Measures
Minister for Care, Helen Whately hailed the support: “I know just how hard social care staff have been working over the last 6 months to provide compassionate care and keep people safe in the face of this global threat. This extra funding will bolster infection prevention and protect our loved ones receiving care.”
Since the pandemic’s start, the government has ramped up protections with:
- Monthly testing for all residents, weekly for staff since July
- 208 million items of PPE delivered
- £3.7 billion handed to councils to tackle pandemic pressures, including social care
- £1.1 billion ring-fenced for infection control in social care providers
This hefty investment signals the government’s commitment to shield care homes as winter bites—helping to save lives and ease worries for families across the country.
