Today after speaking to a few family members we went back to Public Heath England specialist testing advice team for more clarity on testing visitors.
There are circumstances when a ‘visit’ can take place where COVID testing is not a requirement.
Testing is always required to enter any of our buildings where residents live.
Testing is always required if a visitor will be less than 2m away from a resident or member of staff unless there is a physical barrier separating people such as a closed window.
If a visitor is coming to drop off items for a resident and a quick exchange takes place at a door (just like a delivery driver making a contactless drop) and then a visitor stands well back in fresh air continually maintaining a safe social distance greater than 2 metres to chat for less than 20 minutes there is no need to have a COVID test beforehand. Please only do this if you are feeling well and no one in your house or place of work etc is poorly or isolating. We advise that a visitor in that scenario wears a face mask if they are comfortable doing so or it won’t hinder communication. In keeping with our existing arrangements any items delivered are sanitised upon entering the building.
If you wish to enter the garden to sit with a resident at the table and enjoy a hot beverage or to take a resident out into the local area for a walk then we have been advised that it’s better to carry out a COVID test to keep residents safe.
At all times in every scenario please continue to follow the government guidance on social distancing, mask wearing and keeping hands clean.
All visits/deliveries must be planned and agreed beforehand.
Existing risk assessed and agreed regular arrangements to drop off items for residents remain in place as they are working well but please let us know if your circumstances change.