Coronavirus (COVID-19) Special Brief – 15 April 2020

Wednesday 15 April

During today's daily government press briefing, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Matt Hancock announced the publication of the Adult social care action plan, highlighting some of the approaches included in the plan such as testing for social care workers, a new care brand, and new processes for people to be able to say goodbye to dying relatives. We responded to the action plan. You can read our statement here.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for today's VODG member Keeping in touch call, and a big thank you to members who led discussions. As ever, your contributions and insights were incredibly helpful and help us to gain a better understanding of the issues facing providers as well as inform our representations to government. The next meeting will take place on 29 April. Registration is open and further details are included below.
Erika Murigi | Head of Communications and Public Affairs 

Coronavirus (COVID-19): key messages

  • The government today published its adult social care action plan. It can be accessed here.
  • Clipper pilot is underway to test a new supply route into social care (i.e. beyond the NHS).
  • DHSC continues to emphasise local resilience forums as the workaround.
  • VODG is continuing to raise the issue of indemnity for providers and this is now on the Ministerial radar.
  • There is a push for clarity over data collection requirements and a communication is expected to be forthcoming.
  • All feedback, please email [email protected]

Coronavirus (COVID-19): news

COVID-19 Adult social care action plan
Government publishes action plan for how it will support the adult social care sector in England throughout the coronavirus outbreak.
Government to offer testing for “everyone who needs one” in social care settings
All care home residents and social care staff with symptoms will be tested.
Furlough scheme cut-off date extended to 19 March
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme  eligibility date extended to 19 March 2020.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance

Government guidance: getting tested
Guidance on coronavirus testing for critical workers who are self-isolating.
Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can't do
Includes guidance about exercise for people with learning disabilities and/or autism.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): sector response

What Keeps You Awake at Night?
Richard Kramer, chief executive of Sense, reflects on the impact COVID-19 has had on the charity.
Joint NMC and GMC statement on advance care planning
Includes guidance on DNACPR forms and summary plans for emergency care and treatment.
Message from Kate Terroni
Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care sets out CQC's next steps to support adult social care during pandemic.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) resources

Trowers & Hamlins | legal update | Pensions and COVID-19 - what are the options for employers?
Do auto-enrolment duties continue and if so what are the options for employers?

Coronavirus (COVID-19): meetings

VODG member Keeping in touch meeting | 29 April | 11.00 - 12.30
The next virtual Coronavirus (COVID-19) KIT meeting will offer another opportunity for members to share issues and ideas. Register here.