Coronavirus COVID-19 guidance

As of 23 March, there are new restrictions in place which means people can not leave their homes except for:

• Shopping for “basic necessities”, as infrequently as possible. People should use delivery services, where they can
• Medical reasons, to provide care, or to help a vulnerable person
• Travelling to and from work, but only if it is “absolutely necessary”
• People who need to exercise more than once a day, because of a learning disability or autism, now can (FAQ 15).

Latest government guidance – 22 March 2020

NHS guidance states that if someone has symptoms, they should stay home and self-isolate for seven days. If they live with others, they should stay home for 14 days from the first day the person got symptoms https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/.

Coronavirus guidance – last updated by government 16 March 2020

The UK government have published guidance for the adult social care sector

The Welsh government are providing updates here

The Scottish government are providing updates here

(Here is a statement from the Scottish department of Health and Social care outlining that there will be money for councils to expand and protect social care.)

Health Protection Scotland are providing guidance here

Here’s an easy read guide about coronavirus

You can also find guidance for the public which is updated daily here

If you are worried and want to prepare a plan about what to do if you or one of your family become ill, please talk to your scheme. You may find useful tips on Carers UK website.

Latest news:

Funding for Shared Lives during coronavirus

Guidance available for members in your online account

Don’t forget if you’re a Shared Lives Plus member, you can check our:

• Guidance for Shared Lives in response to COVID-19 (log in or see guidance file below)
• Frequently asked questions, updated daily
• Members’ resources for a Coronavirus outbreak including PPE helpline, pay information, emergency plans, fast track approvals guidance,
• Catch up with our carer teleconferences on SLP TV. Join in our teleconferences, details to follow, please email your questions to press@sharedlivesplus.org.uk in advance
• If you’re part of the Homeshare community, check out this guidance

There are general principles anyone can follow to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:

• wash your hands often – with soap and water, or use alcohol sanitiser that contains at least 60% alcohol if handwashing facilities are not available – this is particularly important after taking public transport. Guidance is available on hand washing
• covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throwing the tissue in a bin. See Catch It, Bin It, Kill It
• people who feel unwell should stay at home and should not attend work
• employees should wash their hands:
  • before leaving home
  • on arrival at work
  • after using the toilet
  • after breaks and sporting activities
  • before food preparation
  • before eating any food, including snacks
  • before leaving work
  • on arrival at home
• avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
• if you are worried about their symptoms or those of a family member or colleague, please call NHS 111. They should not go to their GP or other healthcare environment
• see further information and the Public Health England Blog and the NHS UK page

We’re part of the Care Providers Alliance who bring together the ten main national associations which represent independent and voluntary adult social care providers in England and ensure a coordinated response to the major issues that affect it.​

We will continue to update you with practical guidance and the latest government information, we also welcome feedback from providers on the CPA guidance tools and practical issues surrounding COVID-19 we can raise on your behalf with the government.

Infection control, including flu

Good infection prevention and control management is essential to ensure people receive safe care and support. It also ensures safe practice. All Shared Lives schemes and carers play an important role in the prevention and control of infection in their individual actions and in shared spaces at work and at home.

For guidance on infecton control, look at the Care Provider Alliance website, which has guidance on infection control, continuity, and coronavirus.

Page last updated 17 March 2020