Coronavirus (COVID-19) Special Brief – 23 March 2020
Monday 23 March
Coronavirus (COVID-19): key messages
- Government has published guidance on shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable from COVID-19. Please see below for link to guidance.
- Ahead of the next CQC Trade Associations meeting on 8 April, members are invited to send in any questions or concerns they would like VODG to put forward. Please [email protected]
- All feedback, please email [email protected]
Coronavirus (COVID-19): news
Letter to chief executives and directors of adult social services
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care's letter outlines plans for social care sector amid pandemic.
NHSE strikes deal to expand hospital capacity
More beds, ventilators and thousands of extra healthcare staff will be made available.
New measures to protect people at highest risk
Government introduces new measures for those considered to be extremely vulnerable.
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy briefings
Organisations may wish to register with BEIS, if they have not already done so, to receive business and employer briefings.
Campaign highlights impact of Coronavirus Bills
Inclusion North says Bill could leave thousands of disabled people without support.
Coronavirus: legislate in haste, repent at leisure?
Dimensions blog explores proposed Coronavirus Bill and its potential to eliminate protections for disabled adults.
VoiceAbility response to emergency Coronavirus Bill
VoiceAbility Chief Executive Jonathan Senker says: “Whilst we all recognise the current extraordinary circumstances, it is disproportionate and potentially dangerous to entirely remove legal rights to social care. There are alternatives which would still give Local Authorities the ability to respond. Examples include maintaining the duties, but making them subject to it being reasonable and practicable to meet them."
Digital support funding
NHSX is making funding available to support digital solutions that help people during the coronavirus outbreak. Techforce19 is a new programme, open to innovative technology companies in England who will compete for government funding of up to £25,000 to test their solution.
The funding for digital solutions will be made available to innovators who can find digital ways to support those who need help during the coronavirus outbreak – including people requiring mental health support and those with social care needs. To work collaboratively on a project across VODG please email [email protected].
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance
Government guidance on shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable
For people who are at very high risk of severe illness from coronavirus.
Government guidance on infection prevention and control
Outlines infection control for healthcare providers assessing possible cases of COVID-19.
NHS guidance on supply and use of PPE
NHS England and Improvement guidance on use and supply of PPE, including deliveries.
Government guidance on isolation for residential educational settings
To support management of children and young people in residential educational settings.
Procurement supplier relief due to COVID-19
For public bodies on payment of their suppliers to ensure service continuity during and after the coronavirus outbreak.
Government guidance on vulnerable children and young people
Questions and answers about the provisions being made for vulnerable children and young people.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): sector response
MHRA requests electronic reports of suspected side effects to medicines using the Yellow Card Scheme
MHRA is requesting all patients, care givers and healthcare professionals to submit reports of suspected side effects to medicines using the Yellow Card Scheme electronically rather than by paper, during the current outbreak.
‘Every day counts’ campaign calls for government support of charities
NCVO campaign calls for emergency funding for frontline charities and volunteers supporting the response to the coronavirus crisis,
Coronavirus (COVID-19) resources
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Easy Read information
Latest guidance about on Coronavirus in easy read format. From Public Health England.
The Hand Washing Rap
Handwashing health message in video format. From learning disability group, the Purple All Stars.
Beating the Virus - wordless information
A short wordless story, to help people understand Coronavirus. From Beyond Words.
Coronavirus updates for councils and care providers
Range of guidance developed in response to queries from councils and care providers.
Trowers & Hamlins LLP | legal update - coronavirus: business support
An update on the developments for employers and businesses.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): meetings
Coronavirus COVID-19 keeping in touch (KIT) meeting | Wednesday 25 March | 11.30-13.00
The next virtual Coronavirus (COVID-19) KIT meeting will be offer another opportunity for members to share issues and ideas. Click here to register.
From the office of the Chief Social Worker for Adults:
"We understand the need for more regular communications from senior officials in the Adult Social Care sector, to support ongoing response planning and application of official guidance.
We will be setting up a weekly forum in which a particular topic will be spotlighted. Each week, you will be asked to submit questions a day before the forum which will be held online via Skype.
The first forum will be held tomorrow [24 March 2020] from 11:00-12:00, the topic will be ‘Infection Control in ASC Settings’ and the conversation will be led by Jenny Harries, Deputy Chief Medical Officer.
Please can you submit any questions you would like to be addressed in tomorrow’s session to [email protected] and [email protected]." [Please also email directly to register your place.]
