Coronavirus (COVID-19) Statement – Thursday 12th March

From today, NorseCare has decided to ask our homes and schemes to limit all non-essential visitors to help reduce the risk of spreading Coronavirus (COVID-19).

For now, families and friends are still welcome to visit but we would strongly encourage them to think carefully about limiting risks by:

– ensuring that they comply with all Government guidance on hygiene

– considering limiting the frequency of visits and, in addition,

– staying away completely if they have any symptoms of illness at all, or if they have been close to others who have.

This is, of course, not a decision taken lightly as we are well aware that these visitors play an important role in the lives, care and wellbeing of our residents and tenants, but we have to prioritise the health and safety of those we care for and our staff above all else at the present time.

We are continuously monitoring the situation and are following the Government and Department of Health and Social Care’s specific advice for care providers. For any staff who experience any symptoms or who have recently returned from the affected countries listed by the Government, we are asking them to follow the guidance provided, self-isolating if necessary.

We are keeping all staff informed of any developing advice and planning for potential changes to the situation over the coming weeks and months. Should you have any concerns please speak to your home manager in the first instance but if you remain concerned, please refer to our Strategic Coronavirus Lead, Nigel Reeve, who will be able to assist.

The following websites also contain useful guidance:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

https://111.nhs.uk/service/COVID-19/

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public

We will update this page and our social media pages in the event of any developments.