Free masks in Government Winter Plan for care homes

MASKS and gloves will be supplied free to care home staff and residents as part of the Government’s Winter Plan against any second wave of Covid- 19.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has announced £ 546million more to help reduce transmission of coronavirus within care homes in England.

The extra money will help pay staff full wages when they are self- isolating and ensure carers work in only one home, reducing the risk of virus spread.

The Infection Control Fund, set up in May, has been extended until March and will offer the extra funding to help the sector through the winter months.

Total funding for infection control in care homes is now more than £ 1.1billion.

Mr Hancock said: “We are entering a critical phase in our fight.

“Our priority over the next six months is to make sure we protect those most vulnerable receiving care and our workforce by limiting the spread of the virus and preventing a second spike.”

The plan includes free personal protective equipment, a “dashboard” online monitoring care homes to help local authorities respond to outbreaks more rapidly and the appointment of a Chief Nurse for Adult Social Care to give clinical leadership to the workforce.

Age UK director Caroline Abrahams welcomed the extra money but warned elderly residents are “dying of sadness” while they cannot see their loved ones.

She added: “This plan is one of the most important a Government will ever publish so far as older people and social care are concerned.”