Crystal Care is well equipped to keep fully on top of developments relating to the continued spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) across the UK and Ireland. We are routinely monitoring developments, reviewing our protocols, and preparing appropriate responses as the situation evolves. Crystal Care is committed to ensuring all steps are taken to protect the health and wellbeing of all our colleagues and customers. Crystal Care continues to work closely with Health Authorities and Care Regulators in order to protect colleagues and customers and maintain service delivery. We are continuously keeping our Business Continuity Plans under review in preparation for a possible escalation of the outbreak.
Advice during coronavirus
At the time of writing this notice the UK and Ireland are experiencing a period of sustained transmission of coronavirus, with England having to be placed back into lockdown from 05/11/2020.
As with any other virus, the best way to prevent infection and spread is to avoid being exposed to it. You can help to prevent the spread of any respiratory outbreak by doing the following:
· Wash your hands often with soap and water 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 cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the bin straight away, or sneeze into the bend of your elbow, then wash your hands.
· Avoid close contact with persons who have respiratory illness symptoms.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
· Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
· Cover your face by wearing a face covering in enclosed spaces
· Make space by staying at least 2 metres apart – or 1 metre with a face covering or other precautions.
· If you have coronavirus symptoms, stay at home (unless you are attending a test site) and book a free NHS test to check if you have coronavirus. In the Republic of Ireland you should phone your GP or GP out-of-hours straightaway to discuss your symptoms and whether you need a test for COVID-19.
· If you are asked to self-isolate please follow the advice from the test and trace service in your area or nation. In some nations it is an offence not to self-isolate if told to do so.
· If a member of staff has a positive confirmed diagnosis of coronavirus the Crystal Care office will prepare a list of all customers and staff the affected person has been in contact with for at least the previous 48 hours. We will fully co-operate with local test and trace services and contact customers or their representatives where this is appropriate.
Crystal Care support during coronavirus
At Crystal Care we will continue to provide the highest level of care and support our customers expect during the coronavirus pandemic. We follow government guidance in the UK and the Republic of Ireland to ensure we protect our customers and our staff. There are a number of measures we have taken to ensure we protect our customers, our staff and members of the public including (but not limited to):
· Crystal Care Office has a COVID-19 office risk assessment in place in accordance with government and HSE guidance.
· All Crystal Care staff must wear Personal Protective Equipment in accordance with government guidance. In England the guidance followed is Personal protective equipment (PPE) – resource for care workers delivering homecare (domiciliary care) during sustained COVID-19 transmission in the UK.
· Working with regulators and local councils to ensure we are continuously updated on the latest news on COVID-19.
· A business continuity plan that is constantly being reviewed and scrutinised to make sure we are prepared for any and all circumstances.