Thank you for supporting our decision to wear masks and take LFD tests, since the Government’s change in policy at Christmas for care homes to risk assess this going forward.

From the 22nd February we will keep testing in place until the end of March, but remove masks. If we detect positive tests, masks will be put back in place until the risk of infection has subsided.

To summarise:

1. Staff and visitors are no longer required to wear masks in WCS homes except in the following circumstances:

           a. when experiencing Covid-like symptoms (but testing negative) courtesy mask wearing will be requested until                     symptoms have passed/coughing or sneezing has stopped

           b. an individual chooses to wear a mask

           c. during an outbreak in the home

           d. resident requests a mask is worn when receiving personal care

2. LFD 72-hour testing for staff will continue to the end of March
3. Precautionary 72-hour LFD testing for visitors (we can provide tests) will continue to the end of March
4. Visitors not wishing/unable to take a test will be offered visits in pods or private rooms and asked to avoid communal areas where there are other vulnerable residents

The removal of masks is based on constantly reviewed risk assessments.

We are delighted to be able to ease measures and the barrier effect masks create to communication. We thank you for your continued support with these changes, helping to keep residents and staff safe by retaining the reassurance testing at the front door provides.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to speak to your home’s management team.