Care homes advice as city virus cases rise

Sunderland City Council has asked care homes to suspend all “non-essential” visits following the continued rise in coronavirus cases across the city.

Gillian Gibson, the city’s director of public health, made the assessment in a letter sent to 84 care homes in the area.

It follows the publication on September 10 of official figures showing that confirmed infections across Sunderland have risen by 32 to 2,121.

Hospital visits are also now suspended by South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust following a rise in COVID-19 patient admissions.

The advised ban on care home visits is until further notice although Ms Gibson, in her letter, stresses it “does not apply to residents who are on an end of life pathway”.

The letter adds: “Visits from healthcare professionals should continue, particularly as the flu vaccination programme will be starting soon and it is even more important that we ensure residents are protected against flu this year.

"However, it is essential that such visitors adhere strictly to PPE guidance. I know staff are continuing to work really hard to protect residents and themselves as they have been throughout the pandemic.”

The care home and hospital announcements come as Sunderland was put on a Public Health England watchlist as an area receiving enhanced support.

Around 3,000 care residents are potentially affected by any suspension.

Ms Gibson’s letter continues: “I appreciate that a huge amount of work was done by all care homes to imp le men tc ovid secure visiting arrangements and as such the recommendation to suspend visiting will be disappointing news for both residents and their families.”