Corona Virus Update
Policy
As you will be aware, we are facing an unprecedented outbreak of the new coronavirus Covid-19.
The age of our residents puts them in the highest risk category for suffering the effects of the infection and consequently we are taking measures to protect them.
In line with current advice from the World Health organisation, Public Health England and the UK Government, Abbeyfield has formulated a policy on preventative and control measures, limiting the risk of infection for our residents in our houses.
For current NHS advice please see this link https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
And for current advice relating specifically to Abbeyfield Dulwich please contact us as the information changes regularly. Residents and their sponsors should particularly be aware of this.
Visiting a resident
Please see below.
Symptoms
Should you experience any symptoms associated with Covid-19 at any time, whether you have been abroad or not, please do not visit our houses until you have been given the all clear from a medical health professional.
Symptoms of Coronavirus include:
· A cough
· A fever or high temperature
- A loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
If you develop any of these symptoms, however mild, you are advised to stay indoors and isolate yourself avoiding close contact with other people. If your symptoms worsen you should call NHS 111, for further advice. You should not visit your doctor or hospital.
Activities and Events
We are currently suspending all events to limit the possibility of infection spreading.
Current Status
We would like to assure you that, at this time Abbeyfield Dulwich has not had any cases of the new virus and that the above are precautionary measures only. We will contact all residents' sponsors should the need arise.
In the event of infection
Should a resident present in the premises with diagnosed coronavirus (COVID-19) or suspected coronavirus (COVID-19) they should be isolated to their room or apartment as quickly as possible and should call NHS 111 asap for advice
Residents that suspect they may be at risk of coronavirus should alert a member of staff immediately who will immediately cascade this information upwards to the Committee along with any advice given by NHS 111.
They should not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital without instruction from NHS 111.
In the event of a confirmed or suspected case of coronavirus by a resident in our sheltered house, the Chairman or Company Secretary will write to all regular external visitors to the houses to advise that all visits are prohibited for at least two weeks after any infection risk has passed. This does not apply to care workers, although they will be informed of the instance of infection in the house.
14 September 2020 update
Visiting the House - essential visitors only
As you will be aware there is an increase in cases of Covid-19 and a steep rise in the R-Rate.
We cannot ignore the risk that this poses to residents. We have so far prided ourselves on being "ahead of the game" and, while we do not want to impose restrictions on our residents again, we fear this will shortly become inevitable if matters take the course we all now sadly expect.
For the time being, there is no change in the policy of simply urging everyone to be cautious.
However, we are asking residents to be particularly careful at the present time about physical contact, especially between residents and any young people in their lives - grandchildren, school-aged children of family friends and the like. This should now be avoided entirely, as should unnecessary entrance into the House itself.
Going Out
If you are a resident at Abbeyfield Dulwich you should:
· try to avoid taking public transport if there is an alternative;
· sit outside, rather than inside, cafes and restaurants;
· wear face masks, use sanitiser, and observe social distancing.
In short, you should observe the basic precautions which are now a part of our everyday lives.
What next?
We recognise, and ask you also to be aware, that as winter approaches it may be necessary to reimpose restrictions, possibly at short notice.