26 Apr 2020

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

Sunday 26 April

As the situation surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues, we continue to offer practical support and forums to support VODG members. However, we also believe an opportunity to support the development of wider strategic proposals to help shape the future of the adult social care sector is now presenting itself.

Last week, we emailed VODG member CEOs about our proposal to hold a series of short telephone conversations with the leaders of VODG member organisations to reflect on what lessons have been learnt from the pandemic response so far as well to discuss the implications for the future of the sector in general. If you are a VODG member CEO and interested in participating, please email [email protected]

This week (Wednesday), the next VODG member Keeping in touch call will take place. Please see below for registration details - we look forward to welcoming many of you on that call.

Erika Murigi | Head of Communications and Public Affairs

Coronavirus (COVID-19): key messages

Further testing is being rolled out via mobile sites and other initiatives. (Lots of downloadable resources below.)
Work is being led by CQC and TLAP to consider how to oversee the use of easements and the effect of COVID-19 on social care. As part of this work, CQC will publish a heatmap of which local authorities are using easements on their website. Guidance states that the decision to operate under easements should be communicated by the local authority to all providers, people who use services and carers. VODG is initiating a series of systematic Freedom of Information Access requests to understand this moving landscape and exploring further evidence collection opportunities to understand the impact on the provision of disabled people’s services.
All feedback, please email [email protected]

Coronavirus (COVID-19): news

Mobile coronavirus testing units

Mobile testing units, operated by the Armed Forces, will travel around the UK to increase access to coronavirus testing.

Coronavirus testing extended to all essential workers

Essential workers and members of their households showing symptoms will now be able to get tested.

Digital innovations tested to support vulnerable people during COVID-19 outbreak

Vulnerable people could benefit from digital solutions as part of the TechForce19 challenge.

Furloughed workers to receive full parental leave

Furloughed workers planning to take paid parental or adoption leave will be entitled to pay based on usual earnings rather than furloughed rate.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance

Providing unpaid care to adults with learning disabilities and autistic adults

Government guidance for people who provide unpaid care to adults with learning disabilities and autism.

Coronavirus testing for all essential workers

Updated government guidance on testing for essential workers who are self-isolating.

Manage financial difficulties in your charity

Government guidance on how to work through coronavirus related financial difficulties.

Support for the bereaved

Government guidance to help bereaved families, friends or next of kin make important decisions.

RIDDOR reporting of COVID-19

Details on how to report, exposure to coronavirus or a diagnosis of COVID 19, in the workplace under RIDDOR.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): sector response

Please note the following communications from CQC: CQC offices closed - please do not send post

"All Care Quality Commission offices are now closed. This means that they have stopped communicating by post, and ask that you do not send post to them. Please use other contact methods, details of which are available on their website. "Please do not send completed notification forms, including notifications of deaths, by post. These should be emailed to [email protected]. "In the event that a formal notice needs to be issued, CQC will contact the provider by phone to discuss this and to confirm the approach for further contact. Providers are also reminded of their duty of care to people using their services. For those detained under the Mental Health Act, this may mean supporting people to access the internet or make telephone calls if they ask to contact CQC."

Skills for Care update

Range of resources, guidance, updates and highlights. Includes information on upcoming Skills for Care webinars.

CQC update for adult social care providers

Latest weekly update for providers and professionals working in adult social care, including guidance and CQC's approach.

CQC and Office of National Guardian letter

CQC and the Office of the National Guardian publish joint letter on safety and speaking up during the pandemic

Coronavirus (COVID-19) resources

Matt Hancock letter

Secretary of State writes to employers of essential workers on testing.

Employer referral portal - user guide

Slide pack explaining employer testing portal. Self referral portal is here.

FAQs for employers of essential workers

Covers common questions from employers who have employees with symptoms.

FAQs for essential employees

Covers useful information for essential workers about coronavirus testing.

Coronavirus testing for essential workers

Information pack for employers explaining the programme and how to use communications materials.

How to book a coronavirus test

Infographic for essential workers explaining how to book a test.

Coronavirus testing - Resource centre

Campaign materials about testing for essential workers. From Public Health England

Learning Disability and Autism Programme | FAQs 24 April

Summary of answers to FAQs from NHSE/I's webinar with learning disability and autism partners.

Learning Disability and Autism Programme - webinar (slide deck)

Slides from NHSE/I's learning disability and autism partners webinar on 24 April.

Advocacy and your rights - Easy Read

Information about advocacy and rights during the crisis. From a partnership of advocacy organisations

Coronavirus (COVID-19): meetings

COVID-19: Home Care webinar | Better Support Care Team | 27 April | 11.00

Webinar for those working in and around home care. Will cover an overview of guidance and a Q&A.

VODG member Keeping in touch meeting | 29 April | 11.00 - 12.30

The next virtual Coronavirus (COVID-19) KIT meeting will offer another opportunity for members to share issues and ideas.

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