Coronavirus: 18 die in Herefordshire care homes

Official figures show there have been 18 deaths in Herefordshire care homes linked to coronavirus.

The latest data by Office of National Statistics shows the number of deaths in care homes notified to the Care Quality Commission from April 10 to May 8.

Meanwhile, a total of 60 people have died of all cases during that same period while in care, according to the latest statistics.

The Government launched a new online portal on Monday that should make it easy for care homes to arrange deliveries of coronavirus test kits.

The Government says it is now prioritising testing for care homes and other areas with the greatest need as national testing capacity has increased.

All symptomatic and asymptomatic care home staff and residents in England are now eligible for testing. And testing will be prioritised for care homes that look after the over 65s.

Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Matt Hancock said: “The additional testing capacity we have achieved delivers many thousands of tests a day for residents and staff in care homes.

“This new portal allows those who book tests for staff and residents to do so even more easily, and it also offers a route for the prioritisation of care homes with the greatest need.

“We will continue to grow our testing capacity, as we know the certainty and confidence that high quality testing can provide.”

Minister of State for Care Helen Whately said care homes were on the frontline in the fight against Covid-19.

“We are determined that staff have everything they need to keep themselves and their residents safe,” she said.

“Testing is a crucial part of this. It helps prevent and control outbreaks and means steps can be taken to reduce the spread the virus and protect the most vulnerable.

“By prioritising thousands of tests for care home staff and residents, we can target our national testing capacity in the areas and care homes with the greatest need.”

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) is working with local authority directors of public health, adult social services and NHS providers to deliver this testing programme for care homes.

Tens of thousands of care home workers and residents have already been tested, either by Public Health England or at drive-through testing sites, mobile testing units and via satellite testing kits – packages of tests sent to care homes for staff to use on residents.

They say testing asymptomatic workers helps prevent and control outbreaks. It means those who test positive can be isolated, reducing the number of people who can spread the virus and protecting the most vulnerable. It also helps to build up a strategic understanding of the prevalence of the virus in local areas and the sector as a whole.

Test results for residents will be communicated to the care home managers. This information will also be provided to councils in order to help manage coronavirus outbreaks in local areas.

The Government has changed its guidance over the last few weeks. Initially, testing patients being discharged into a care home was not a requirement.

Government guidance released on April 2 said negative coronavirus tests were not required prior to transfers/admissions of hospital patients or people from elsewhere into care settings.

At the time, some 14 care homes in the county refused to take on hospital patients without testing.

Brockhampton Court was one of the care homes which refused to take on patients took early measures to protect their residents.

“As soon as the warning came about Covid-19 virus spreading worldwide, as from March 18 we made the difficult decision to close our front door to all visitors,” a spokesperson said.

“Therefore the front door was locked.

“Before entering the main building, staff had their temperature taken and a wash handbasin was installed in the grade II porch so that all staff could wash their hands prior to entry.

“Ipads were provided and residents were helped to use them so that regular contact with their families could be maintained.

“All staff were committed to isolating at home to ensure the safety of our residents.

“Birthdays continued to be celebrated indoors but families and pets were actively encouraged to participate albeit through the window.

“Residents of course could continue to use the grounds for their daily exercise.

“No admissions from hospital wards with Covid-19 were accepted.

“To date, we thank so many people for their great kindness and dedication to keep our home safe.”