Coronavirus: Government throwing ‘lit match into a haystack’ by discharging Covid patients to care homes
4 years, 2 months ago

Coronavirus: Government throwing ‘lit match into a haystack’ by discharging Covid patients to care homes

The Independent  

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The government has been warned it is throwing “a lit match into a haystack” by discharging Covid-positive patients to care homes, with politicians demanding that the safety of residents and staff is guaranteed under the new policy. As part of the 2020 adult social care winter plan, the government has called on local authorities and care providers to establish “stand-alone units” – so-called “hot homes” – that would be able to receive and treat Covid hospital patients while they recover from the disease. “As the country heads towards another peak of cases, it is incredibly worrying that care homes are being asked to take in Covid-19 patients without adequate support, effectively putting the lives of their residents and staff at risk,” said Kate Allen, Amnesty International UK Director. “In addition, ministers must work with local authorities to determine the most appropriate approach to Covid positive patient discharge in their area, rather than attempting to impose a blanket, top-down system that may not be suitable for all parts of the country.” A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “No care home will be forced to admit an existing or new resident if they are unable to cope with the person’s Covid-19 illness safely.

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History of this topic

Cuomo defends COVID-19 nursing home decisions in combative House committee hearing
3 months, 4 weeks ago

Cuomo defends COVID-19 nursing home decisions in combative House committee hearing

Hindustan Times  

Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo faced blistering criticism in an often combative congressional subcommittee hearing Tuesday over his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic during the time when the virus was spreading through nursing homes. Cuomo defends COVID-19 nursing home decisions in combative House committee hearing Republicans who questioned the Democrat zeroed in on a controversial directive his administration issued …

Cuomo testifies before House committee that accused him of COVID-19 cover up
3 months, 4 weeks ago

Cuomo testifies before House committee that accused him of COVID-19 cover up

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Andrew Cuomo began testifying publicly Tuesday before a …

Nursing home oversight would be tightened under a bill passed in Massachusetts
4 months, 1 week ago

Nursing home oversight would be tightened under a bill passed in Massachusetts

Associated Press  

BOSTON — Massachusetts’ oversight of nursing homes would be strengthened, LGBTQ+ nursing home residents would be protected against discrimination, and better controls would be in place to protect against the spread of infectious disease outbreaks, under a new bill lawmakers passed this week. Approved on Thursday, the bill would require long-term care facilities to provide staff training on the rights …

US will regulate nursing home staffing for first time, but proposal lower than many advocates hoped
1 year, 4 months ago

US will regulate nursing home staffing for first time, but proposal lower than many advocates hoped

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — The federal government will, for the first time, dictate staffing levels at nursing homes, the Biden administration said Friday, responding to systemic problems bared by mass COVID-19 deaths. “I would caution anyone who thinks that the status quo — in which there is no federal floor for nursing home staffing — is preferable to the standards we’re …

Lionsgate tells employees to wear masks amid new Covid variant
1 year, 4 months ago

Lionsgate tells employees to wear masks amid new Covid variant

The Independent  

Get our free weekly email for all the latest cinematic news from our film critic Clarisse Loughrey Get our The Life Cinematic email for free Get our The Life Cinematic email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Lionsgate has told nearly half of its …

New Covid wave has begun in UK and masks should be worn again, warn scientists
1 year, 4 months ago

New Covid wave has begun in UK and masks should be worn again, warn scientists

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. open image in gallery Rates have risen since early July Prof Pagel predicted the …

Covid-19 Inquiry: People encouraged to share pandemic experiences
1 year, 7 months ago

Covid-19 Inquiry: People encouraged to share pandemic experiences

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy People across the UK have been urged to share their …

Without other pandemic precautions, hospital mask rules didn’t stop COVID spread, study finds
1 year, 9 months ago

Without other pandemic precautions, hospital mask rules didn’t stop COVID spread, study finds

LA Times  

In a world moving on from the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals and medical offices have been the last bastions of mandatory masking. But new research finds that in communities where pandemic precautions have been largely abandoned, mask mandates in healthcare settings do little to prevent coronavirus infections among patients. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continue to recommend indoor …

Matt Hancock was warned it was 'inhumane' to impose restrictions on visiting care homes
1 year, 10 months ago

Matt Hancock was warned it was 'inhumane' to impose restrictions on visiting care homes

Daily Mail  

A former social care minister warned Matt Hancock that visitor bans in care homes during the Covid pandemic were 'inhumane', leaked WhatsApp messages reveal. Helen Whately voiced her opposition at the strict visitor rules in residential homes to the then-Health Secretary in October 2020 The messages show Health Secretary Matt Hancock advised against any sudden changes to the visiting rules, …

Covid: People urged to wear masks and stay at home if unwell as NHS under immense pressure
2 years ago

Covid: People urged to wear masks and stay at home if unwell as NHS under immense pressure

The Independent  

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. In “back-to-school advice” issued on Monday, the UKHSA warned that flu and Covid are currently …

Every care home in England visited by coronavirus and flu vaccine teams – NHS
2 years ago

Every care home in England visited by coronavirus and flu vaccine teams – NHS

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Care home residents are among those we prioritised at the start of this rollout …

Guidelines issued to help patients recover
2 years ago

Guidelines issued to help patients recover

China Daily  

By LI LEI| China Daily| Updated :2022-12-13 Travelers enter a terminal at Beijing Capital International Airport to take flights on Thursday as some restrictions for travel were eased. CUI JUN/FOR CHINA DAILY Documents detail rules for quarantine, roles of neighborhoods and hospitals Health authorities on Thursday issued two guidelines in tandem to help COVID-19 patients with mild symptoms recover at …

Care homes locking down over flu and norovirus, relatives claim
2 years ago

Care homes locking down over flu and norovirus, relatives claim

The Telegraph  

Care home providers have been accused of flouting official guidance by going into lockdown over outbreaks of flu and norovirus, The Telegraph can reveal. One relative, who wished to remain anonymous, said she was banned from seeing her 99-year-old mother, who she spends two hours feeding every day, for almost two weeks following an outbreak of diarrhoea and vomiting at …

Guidelines issued to help patients recover
2 years, 1 month ago

Guidelines issued to help patients recover

China Daily  

Documents detail rules for quarantine, roles of neighborhoods and hospitals Health authorities on Thursday issued two guidelines in tandem to help COVID-19 patients with mild symptoms recover at home and to properly monitor their health with test kits. To reduce cross-infections, the rules recommended separate rooms for homebound patients, who are encouraged to take recommended drugs based on their symptoms, …

Guidelines issued to help patients recover
2 years, 1 month ago

Guidelines issued to help patients recover

China Daily  

Documents detail rules for quarantine, roles of neighborhoods and hospitals Health authorities on Thursday issued two guidelines in tandem to help COVID-19 patients with mild symptoms recover at home and to properly monitor their health with test kits. To reduce cross-infections, the rules recommended separate rooms for homebound patients, who are encouraged to take recommended drugs based on their symptoms, …

Matt Hancock condemned for ‘deluded’ recount of care homes during pandemic
2 years, 1 month ago

Matt Hancock condemned for ‘deluded’ recount of care homes during pandemic

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Matt Hancock’s memories of how he handled care homes during …

Matt Hancock's Pandemic Diaries EXCLUSIVE EXTRACT
2 years, 1 month ago

Matt Hancock's Pandemic Diaries EXCLUSIVE EXTRACT

Daily Mail  

He's been the target of so much public anger over Covid. Boris Johnson's advisor Dominic Cummings, pictured in Downing Street on March 12th 2020 Friday, March 13 A call with my fellow G7 Health Ministers. At least 40 care homes have knowingly been using staff with Covid Friday, March 13 2020 Simon Stevens says frail elderly patients who don't need …

COVID-19 updates: Mandatory isolation comes to an end as Australia enters new phase of pandemic — as it happened
2 years, 2 months ago

COVID-19 updates: Mandatory isolation comes to an end as Australia enters new phase of pandemic — as it happened

ABC  

*Sigh* — It looks like I'll be wearing an N95 for the foreseeable future. I haven't had covid yet and don't appreciate that people will be forced to work when sick as they won't receive paid leave- for their sake and for mine! Matthew Pickett — Absolutely crazy - look at what is happening in Europe and the USA now …

No Covid restrictions needed yet, Health Min. says as vaccinations open to everyone 12+
2 years, 2 months ago

No Covid restrictions needed yet, Health Min. says as vaccinations open to everyone 12+

NL Times  

Companies and organizations don’t have to take measures against the coronavirus yet but are free to do so if they wish. People between the ages of 40 and 60 can make an appointment next week, and “in principle the week after,” everyone from 12 to 40 can do so, Kuipers said. But according to Kuipers, it is ‘not yet necessary …

Nursing home residents at risk as Covid infections rise 23%
2 years, 2 months ago

Nursing home residents at risk as Covid infections rise 23%

Dutch News  

The number of nursing home residents testing positive for coronavirus rose by 23% over the past week and hospital admissions are also rising, public health institute RIVM said in its Tuesday update. ‘Coronavirus can spread quickly in an open society without far reaching measures,’ the RIVM said. The number of coronavirus particles in waste water shot up 75% over the …

Nursing home residents at risk as Covid infections rise 23%
2 years, 2 months ago

Nursing home residents at risk as Covid infections rise 23%

Dutch News  

The number of nursing home residents testing positive for coronavirus rose by 23% over the past week and hospital admissions are also rising, public health institute RIVM said in its Tuesday update. ‘Coronavirus can spread quickly in an open society without far reaching measures,’ the RIVM said. The number of coronavirus particles in waste water shot up 75% over the …

Australia is now living with COVID-19, but in aged care, thousands are dying with it
2 years, 3 months ago

Australia is now living with COVID-19, but in aged care, thousands are dying with it

ABC  

They're known as the Silent Generation: Australia's elders often have a reputation for copping hard knocks on the chin without complaint – but they’re also among our most vulnerable. Key points: While the COVID death rate in aged care has significantly decreased in 2022, the number of total deaths has increased exponentially Advocates say not enough people are aware of …

Coronavirus Today: Who’s dying of COVID-19 now?
2 years, 3 months ago

Coronavirus Today: Who’s dying of COVID-19 now?

LA Times  

I’m Karen Kaplan, and it’s Tuesday, Sept. 20. At a time when vaccines, boosters, medications and antibody treatments are plentiful, when hospitals have the bandwidth to care for patients who are seriously ill, and when, as White House COVID-⁠19 Response Coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha said, “most COVID-19 deaths are preventable,” you’ve got to wonder: Who is dying of COVID-19 now? …

‘Record-high’ 892,000 people living with long Covid for a year, figures show
2 years, 4 months ago

‘Record-high’ 892,000 people living with long Covid for a year, figures show

The Independent  

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Close to one million people in the UK have been living …

Column: Do we get our lives back now, or are we going back down the COVID hole?
2 years, 5 months ago

Column: Do we get our lives back now, or are we going back down the COVID hole?

LA Times  

Los Angeles County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer has been warning Angelenos that a new mask mandate may be necessary. The result, says The Times, is a “palpable disconnect between alarmed scientists and health officials focused solely on the infectiousness and mutations of the virus and a public that is increasingly less concerned.” This week L.A. County officials will decide …

COVID-19 outbreaks force 'desperate' extension of defence force support in aged care
2 years, 5 months ago

COVID-19 outbreaks force 'desperate' extension of defence force support in aged care

ABC  

Defence personnel will be kept in aged care facilities for another two months, as staffing shortages continue amid the ongoing winter surge in COVID-19 cases. Key points: More than a thousand aged care facilities are facing COVID-19 outbreaks The Defence Minister says it is an extreme response and not a long-term solution An extra 250 personnel will also be deployed …

Human rights of people in care at risk due to slow progress on visiting – report
2 years, 5 months ago

Human rights of people in care at risk due to slow progress on visiting – report

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. From the lack of action of the regulator to the lack of training for …

Hospitals bring back Covid restrictions on patients and visitors
2 years, 5 months ago

Hospitals bring back Covid restrictions on patients and visitors

Daily Mail  

Hospitals in New South Wales are already implementing their own Covid mandates despite no official orders from government. Dr Ashford said the current situation is 'more serious now than ever' and urged the government to move quickly on implementing new measures There is also widespread outrage over the federal government's decision to scrap pandemic leave payments and free RAT tests …

Government to rely on antivirals to protect against winter wave of COVID in aged care, as defence support ends
2 years, 5 months ago

Government to rely on antivirals to protect against winter wave of COVID in aged care, as defence support ends

ABC  

Federal Aged Care Minister Anika Wells says the government has come up with a plan to protect aged care residents from the COVID wave set to sweep the country. Key points: More than 800 aged care homes are facing COVID outbreaks The government hopes supplies of antivirals will protect residents through winter Defence personnel will exit the sector next month …

In the new COVID-19 era, politicians are advising the experts — and in some cases, ignoring advice they don't want to hear
2 years, 5 months ago

In the new COVID-19 era, politicians are advising the experts — and in some cases, ignoring advice they don't want to hear

ABC  

It's less than a year since the "hi-vis" protests brought Melbourne's CBD to an almost daily standstill. It's less than six months since the "Convoy to Canberra" saw huge crowds converge on the national capital for a two-week "freedom" festival. This week, Victoria's Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas rejected advice from the state's acting Chief Health Officer to mandate mask-wearing in …

Rising Covid infections prompt nursing homes to ask visitors to use face masks
2 years, 6 months ago

Rising Covid infections prompt nursing homes to ask visitors to use face masks

NL Times  

As the number of coronavirus infections rises again, more and more nursing homes are asking their healthcare workers to wear face masks. Staff shortages are already prompting some nursing homes to let employees work with a coronavirus infection if they are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms, Actiz said to the Volkskrant. Almost 400 nursing homes across the Netherlands reported coronavirus …

Confusion prevails over covid protocols as public fears wane
2 years, 6 months ago

Confusion prevails over covid protocols as public fears wane

Live Mint  

We’re now in a weird phase of the covid pandemic. Danish social scientist Michael Bang Petersen of Aarhus University told me that familiarity with covid is changing people’s attitudes. And that means it’s hard to adapt our behaviour to the situation—the way public health officials urged us to do during previous waves. “We know from research that social isolation is …

‘Brutal’ NHS pressures stop Covid testing
2 years, 8 months ago

‘Brutal’ NHS pressures stop Covid testing

The Independent  

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Overstretched hospitals are stopping routine Covid tests for new patients as …

Op-Ed: I nearly died from COVID. Now I’m letting go of the fear
2 years, 9 months ago

Op-Ed: I nearly died from COVID. Now I’m letting go of the fear

LA Times  

COVID hospitalizations are far less deadly now than they were two years ago. Today, COVID-19 is far less dangerous than it was two years ago, and I wonder: By telling my harrowing story, did I contribute to a climate of fear that we now find difficult to dispel? It’s time for a full accounting of our response Two years ago, …

I Was A COVID Doctor. Here's The One Thing I Refuse To Do As We 'Get Back To Normal.'
2 years, 9 months ago

I Was A COVID Doctor. Here's The One Thing I Refuse To Do As We 'Get Back To Normal.'

Huff Post  

A nurse gives medication to a patient with COVID-19 in the medical intensive care unit at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center on April 24, 2020, in New York City. Health care workers are not OK. As the transition back to “normal” begins, our clinics — echoing the rest of the nation — are moving toward a new stage of the …

Living with covid should not mean ignoring the pandemic
2 years, 10 months ago

Living with covid should not mean ignoring the pandemic

Live Mint  

The UK has followed Denmark in scrapping most covid curbs. Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s “living with covid” plan shifts the emphasis from state intervention to personal responsibility. Meanwhile, Johnson’s government will focus on detecting changes in the virus and infection patterns, responding quickly and protecting the vulnerable using extra vaccine doses and other pharmacological interventions. Britain’s broader ability to withstand …

Immunocompromised and disabled people ‘abandoned’ by end of Covid restrictions
2 years, 10 months ago

Immunocompromised and disabled people ‘abandoned’ by end of Covid restrictions

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The Government is lifting restrictions without a plan to protect immunocompromised people, for who …

People with Covid in England won't need to self-isolate
2 years, 10 months ago

People with Covid in England won't need to self-isolate

India Today  

People with Covid-19 won't be legally required to self-isolate in England starting in the coming week, the UK government has announced, as part of a plan for “living with Covid” that is also likely to see testing for coronavirus scaled back. “We’ve reached a stage where we think you can shift the balance away from state mandation, away from banning …

UK: People with COVID in England won’t need to self-isolate
2 years, 10 months ago

UK: People with COVID in England won’t need to self-isolate

Associated Press  

LONDON — People with COVID-19 won’t be legally required to self-isolate in England starting in the coming week, the U.K. government has announced, as part of a plan for “living with COVID” that is also likely to see testing for the coronavirus scaled back. “We’ve reached a stage where we think you can shift the balance away from state mandation, …

As COVID curbs are lifted, experts call for clear messaging
2 years, 10 months ago

As COVID curbs are lifted, experts call for clear messaging

Al Jazeera  

The Netherlands, Germany, South Africa and the United Kingdom are among several countries which have announced plans to lift the majority of COVID restrictions, despite the continuing spread of the highly contagious Omicron coronavirus variant. The raft of announcements, including plans to scrap COVID self-isolation for those who test positive in England and an end to social distancing rules in …

Government plans to scrap mandatory jab requirement in health and social care
2 years, 11 months ago

Government plans to scrap mandatory jab requirement in health and social care

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The requirement for care home …

Optimism at L.A. County’s nursing homes as coronavirus surge declines
2 years, 11 months ago

Optimism at L.A. County’s nursing homes as coronavirus surge declines

LA Times  

“The extraordinarily high case rate has not caused a similar high increase in deaths among residents compared to our previous surges. We attribute these lower numbers to very high vaccination rates amongst nursing home residents,” said L.A. County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer. Los Angeles County’s nursing homes have observed an extraordinary increase in coronavirus case rates during the Omicron …

Families and groups react to plans to scrap care home visiting restrictions
2 years, 11 months ago

Families and groups react to plans to scrap care home visiting restrictions

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Families of care home residents have cautiously welcomed plans to …

Covid curbs extended till Feb 28 as positivity rate in 407 districts still above 10%, says MHA
2 years, 11 months ago

Covid curbs extended till Feb 28 as positivity rate in 407 districts still above 10%, says MHA

India TV News  

Highlights Home Ministry on Thursday extended existing COVID-19 containment measures till Feb 28 Decision was taken in view of the wave of infections, driven by the Omicron variant Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla communicated the order to all states and Union territories The Union Home Ministry on Thursday extended the existing COVID-19 containment measures till February 28 in view of …

Social care for elderly and vulnerable rationed as Covid hits staff
2 years, 11 months ago

Social care for elderly and vulnerable rationed as Covid hits staff

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Stephen Chandler, president of the Association of Directors of Adults Social Services, said: “We …

As we attempt to live with Covid, a class of vulnerable people is emerging: the new excluded
2 years, 11 months ago

As we attempt to live with Covid, a class of vulnerable people is emerging: the new excluded

The Independent  

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Rejoice again, I tell you, for …

Families struggle to get COVID tests to visit loved ones in nursing and senior homes
2 years, 11 months ago

Families struggle to get COVID tests to visit loved ones in nursing and senior homes

LA Times  

Karen Klink sits next to a sign she used in a protest when it was hard to visit her mother in a memory care facility during a lockdown due to COVID-19 in late 2020. Late last month, as coronavirus cases were skyrocketing, the state declared that nursing homes and other care facilities must require a negative test for COVID-19 for …

Reduced COVID-19 isolation for NSW healthcare staff a 'catch-up' measure to stop system 'collapsing'
3 years ago

Reduced COVID-19 isolation for NSW healthcare staff a 'catch-up' measure to stop system 'collapsing'

ABC  

Tired and overworked healthcare workers in New South Wales were left with no choice but to support reducing the isolation rules for staff with no symptoms who had been deemed close contacts of COVID-19 cases. Key points: Expert says reducing isolation for asymptomatic healthcare staff made complete sense President of the doctors union says patients will not be put in …

Extra Covid restrictions could be needed ‘at pace’ as NHS prepares for surge
3 years ago

Extra Covid restrictions could be needed ‘at pace’ as NHS prepares for surge

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Chris Hopson chief executive of …

Government is working on long term plan for living with coronavirus: Telegraaf
3 years ago

Government is working on long term plan for living with coronavirus: Telegraaf

Dutch News  

The cabinet and a group of 150 people from the cultural, sports, hospitality and other sectors are working to devise a long term plan for living with coronavirus, the Telegraaf said on Thursday. That means, the paper said, family reunions in the summer, low key theatre shows in winter and education at home during lockdowns. This week 150 people from …

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