Dear Client,

Coronavirus Update: 18th March 2020

Following the recent outbreak of Coronavirus (Covid-19) in the UK, Holistic Community Care has been monitoring the situation each day. The welfare of our clients and our dedicated teams of careworkers and office staff is of paramount importance to us; indeed, it is the very reason why
we exist.
As a result, we have decided to issue some information to our clients, based on the Government’s guidance. Please note that similar guidance has also been issued to all staff.

If neither the client nor the careworker has symptoms of COVID-19

If neither the careworker nor the client receiving care and support has any symptoms,
then no personal protective equipment is required above and beyond normal good hygiene practices.

General interventions may include increased cleaning activity and keeping property properly ventilated by opening windows whenever safe and appropriate.

Careworkers should follow Government advice on hand hygiene and they have all been provided with illustrations of the correct technique for doing so.

Facemasks

According to the www.Gov.uk website, the routine use of face masks for the general public is not recommended to protect from infection. There is no evidence of benefit from their use and indeed, they may encourage infection, if the virus locates on the front of a mask which is then handled by the wearer (particularly if the same face mask is used for hours or days on end).

If a careworker is concerned they have COVID-19 or is diagnosed with COVID-19

If a member of staff is concerned they have COVID-19, they have been advised to follow the NHS guidance to ascertain whether they need to self-isolate.

If they are advised to self-isolate at home, they will follow the stay-at-home-guidance. If advised to self-isolate at home or are diagnosed with Covid-19, they will not visit and care for individuals until safe to do so.

If a client of Holistic Community Care has symptoms of COVID-19

If a client receiving care and support has symptoms of COVID-19, then the risk of
transmission should be minimised through safe working procedures, which are as follows:

Personal protective equipment

Careworkers should use personal protective equipment (PPE) for activities that bring them into close personal contact, such as washing and bathing, personal hygiene and contact with bodily fluids.

Aprons, gloves and fluid repellent surgical masks should be used in these situations (please note the contrast with the advice on the routine use of use of face masks). If there is a risk of splashing, then eye protection will minimise risk. New personal protective equipment must be used for each episode of care.

Cleaning

If care workers undertake cleaning duties, then they should use usual household products, such as detergents and bleach, as these will be very effective at getting rid of the virus on surfaces. Frequently touched surfaces should be cleaned regularly.

Personal waste (for example, used tissues, continence pads and other items soiled with bodily fluids) and disposable cleaning cloths can be stored securely within disposable rubbish bags.

How to avoid catching and spreading Covid-19 (social distancing)

Everyone should do what they can to stop coronavirus spreading.

It is particularly important for people who:
> are 70 or over
> have a long-term condition
> are pregnant
> have a weakened immune system

Do

✅ wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
✅ always wash your hands when you get home or into work
✅ use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
✅ cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
✅ put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
✅ avoid close contact with people who have symptoms of coronavirus
✅ only travel on public transport if you need to
✅ work from home, if you can
✅ avoid social activities, such as going to pubs, restaurants, theatres and cinemas
✅ avoid events with large groups of people
✅ use phone, online services, online services, or apps to contact your GP surgery or
other NHS services

Don’t

✖  do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean
✖  do not have visitors to your home, including friends and family

Thank you for taking the time to read this information. If you have any queries, please
contact us on 0207 091 0399 or at care@carebyholistic.com.

Best wishes

Daniel Afeeva (Managing Director) and Mark Afeeva (Director)