Covid-19 testing in care homes (FOI)

Request

In Guernsey a few cases in a care home led to the immediate testing of all staff and other residents, whereupon it was confirmed that others had it with less symptoms, and could immediately isolate and prevent others at the care home getting infected.

A

Has the same blanket testing happened with the care homes in Jersey where there have been cases of one or two residents with Covid-19?

B

Why has Jersey not been as transparent as Guernsey about testing and care homes?

C

Is there a different protocol and if so what is it?

Response

A

Following current guidelines, residents tested for COVID-19 in care homes is limited to symptomatic index cases. Any symptomatic residents will be promptly identified and isolated. The view has also been taken that if any patients within care homes test positive, the home as a whole will be treated as positive. All staff within care homes are wearing PPE at all times with direct resident care.

With increasing access to swabs we will test patients and staff but will still manage care home (or relevant section if large) as infected. Swabbing staff and admissions will be routine.

B

This is not a request for information held.

Health and Community Services is not maintaining a record of differences in policy or protocol with other local authorities or islands.

C

See response A above for Jersey’s protocol for testing and care homes.