26 Jun 2020

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Special Brief – 26 June 2020

Friday 26 June

Earlier in the month, the Department of Health and Social Care announced the launch of a new social care sector COVID-19 support taskforce. The aim of the taskforce is to support the care sector and prevent further transmission. In a call with the Care Minister this week, we heard from David Pearson, chair of the taskforce about how it will be set up and some of the planned activity. It was encouraging to hear that there will be advisory groups set up, including one for learning disabilities and autism, and each advisory group will include a representative with lived experience (something VODG has called for). The taskforce is still in its infancy and as we learn more about its structure and activities, we will update accordingly.

On Tuesday, the prime minister announced plans for the further easing of lockdown measures across England. This was followed by further announcements from the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on how the government plans to relax shielding guidance. The details of these announcements are included below for your information.

As ever, we welcome your feedback and insights to [email protected] In the meantime a reminder that the weekly brief returns from Monday.

Erika Murigi | Head of Communications and Public Affairs

Coronavirus (COVID-19): key messages

The government has published updated guidance and a stakeholder Q&A for people who are shielding following announcements about the easing of lockdown measures. Please see below in the Guidance section.
The impact of the pandemic on local authority budgets has been widely reported on this week, please see the news section below.
All feedback, please email [email protected]

Coronavirus (COVID-19): news

NHS test and trace statistics (England): 11 June to 17 June 2020

Experimental statistics for weeks 1 to 3 of NHS test and trace contact tracing in England.

New saliva test for coronavirus piloted in Southampton

New coronavirus test using a ‘no-swab’ saliva test is being piloted in Southampton.

Thousands to be offered repeat testing in care homes

10k people in care homes and staff across over 100 care homes will be given coronavirus tests as part of new study.

Coronavirus and the social impacts on older people

ONS indicators from the Opinions and Lifestyle Survey on the social impact of the pandemic on older people in Great Britain.

Plans to ease guidance for over 2 million shielding

People shielding from coronavirus will be advised they can spend more time outside their homes from 6 July.

Easing of lockdown restrictions

Prime Minister sets out further changes to lockdown measures in England.

2 billion items of PPE delivered

Two billion items of PPE have been delivered to NHS and social care staff since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Impact on the charity sector during coronavirus

Report of research conducted by the Institute of Fundraising, NCVO, and Charity Finance Group.

Coronavirus grants for small charities hit by 'dithering and delay'

Government and the National Lottery Community Fund face criticism over handling of coronavirus grants.

Eight out of 10 English councils at risk of bankruptcy

Centre for Progressive Policy study finds predicted COVID-19 costs and income losses will exceed reserves and central government support.

UK councils fear bankruptcy amid COVID-19 costs

BBC investigation reveals the scale of the financial challenges facing local authorities.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance

Shielding guidance - stakeholder Q&A

To assist in communicating and explaining the changes announced to the shielding guidance.

Shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable from COVID-19

Updated shielding guidance reflecting the relaxation of advice, coming into effect next month.

Shielding guidance for children and young people

Revised advice on which children and young people are ‘clinically extremely vulnerable’ to COVID-19 and should continue to shield.

Reducing risk in adult social care

Framework for how adult social care employers should assess and reduce risk to their workforce during the pandemic.

Providing home care

Hospital discharge and testing section has been updated to state "anyone experiencing coronavirus symptoms can now be tested, including individuals receiving home care.

Air conditioning and ventilation during the coronavirus outbreak

Guidance on use of of air conditioning in the workplace during the pandemic.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): sector response

Staying active during the coronavirus outbreak - survey

The Get Yourself Active team at Disability Rights UK are working with Sense to find out how disabled people have been staying active during the coronavirus outbreak, what is helping to keep active, and if there is anything more that could support people to keep active during this time. Easy Read version can be accessed here and returned to [email protected]

Poems in a pandemic competition

Information about Care Talk's poetry and art competition for social care support staff, leaders and nurses. Deadline for entries 31 July.

Poems in a Pandemic | Press conference | 7 July | 11.00 - 12.00

Invitation to the press conference for the Poems in a pandemic competition.

#StarsInMemory

Campaign inviting everyone who has experienced a loss during the pandemic to make a star and place it in their window or post on social media.

Abandoned, forgotten and ignored

Interim report from Inclusion London exploring the impact of the pandemic on disabled people.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) resources

Easy Read Coronavirus Posters

Features new posters explaining new rules coming into effect from 4 July. From Keep safe.

Internet deals for care homes

Lists new internet deals available for care homes which suppliers will fast-track set up. From NHSx.

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