Care homes told to close to visitors as Covid-19 rate goes up
CARE homes in North Tyneside have been advised to close to “non-essential visitors” to help protect vulnerable residents amid a rise in Covid-19 cases.
Wendy Burke, North Tyneside Council’s director of public health, said there has been a rise in the coronavirus infection rate in the borough over the last few weeks – 79 new cases have been confirmed in the last two weeks.
They have predominantly been in the 18-to-35 age group.
However, there are concerns infection could spread to older and more vulnerable people.
Care homes are therefore being asked to cease visits from residents’ family and friends at this time. Ms Burke said: “The health and safety of our residents, especially those most vulnerable, is always our main concern. The
number of confirmed cases of coronavirus has risen significantly in North Tyneside in recent weeks and we are therefore advising care homes close to non-essential visitors from September 9.
“This is not a decision that has been taken lightly, but one that places the health and safety of some of our most vulnerable and elderly residents at its heart.
“We fully appreciate and sympathise that care home residents and their families will be disappointed by this decision, but it was taken in
the very best interests of protecting their health. We need everyone to take action now to help minimise the spread of the virus.”
The move comes after a rise in coronavirus rates across the North East. According to latest figures, the number of cases tripled in Gateshead over a seven-day period – an increase of 241%, and in Sunderland the infection rate rose by 364%.
In Northumberland, cases more than doubled with an increase of 135%, and cases also more than doubled in Newcastle and North Tyneside.