Coronavirus: social distancing, hand washing, uniforms and PPE

The importance of social distancing, hand washing and uniform protocols are now more important than ever at this challenging time. We therefore felt it necessary to outline the latest guidance on these things and to insist that all of our staff abide by these conditions at all times.

 

Social Distancing

The government has published very detailed guidance which is for everyone, not just those who may have symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19). Those with possible symptoms should adhere to even stricter directives on self-isolation.

The guidance on social distancing for everyone sets out the following:

 

• Avoid contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19). These symptoms include a high temperature and/or a new and continuous cough
• Avoid non-essential use of public transport, varying your travel times to avoid rush hour, when possible
• Avoid large gatherings, and gatherings in smaller public spaces such as pubs, cinemas, restaurants, theatres, bars, clubs
• Avoid gatherings with friends and family. Keep in touch by using remote technology such as phone, internet, and social media
• Use a telephone or online services to contact your GP or other essential services.

 

Additionally, we are now advising clients that our care team will not attend a property if there are any guests or visitors – this includes family members. The only exception to this is visits by other professionals such as a district nurse or GP. All family members will be notified of this today via email and we will send a letter to our clients.

We strongly advise you to follow the above measures and to significantly limit your face-to-face interaction with friends and family. By doing this, you will significantly limit your own chances of contracting the virus and having to self-isolate for 14 days. You will also be supporting our efforts to keep our clients safe. This advice is likely to be in place for some weeks.

 

Hand washing and uniforms

All care plans now have a hand washing reminder. Please remember to wash your hands at the start, at regular intervals at and at the end of every call. Gloves should also be worn at all times and anti-bac gel should be used after washing.

Tunics should be washed every day. If an additional uniform is needed, please email us.

We have seen a surge in demand for gloves which we are supplying in the usual way. We are expecting a further delivery next week but supplies are running low so please check in clients’ homes for additional boxes of gloves that may have been hidden away. Gloves must be left in clients’ homes.

We will be receiving additional personal protective equipment (PPE) from the government which will include masks and aprons. Currently, the advice is still to wear the usual PPE – including gloves and tunics – but we will look at the distribution of additional PPE shortly.

 

Conclusion

We still have not had any of the care team reporting symptoms of the virus nor any of our clients. We are hopeful that we can keep it that way going forward. Stay safe and thank you.