What should almshouse charities do now?
Following the Government’s recent relaxation of the coronavirus restrictions, we have been contacted by a number of charities asking what they can and cannot do.
The main changes likely to affect almshouses are as follows:
- Shielding – those considered clinically extremely vulnerable are now allowed to meet outside in groups of no more than six people and create a support bubble with one other household. The government has indicated the shielding will be paused on 1 August but strict social distancing will still be advised.
- Over-70s and those with underlying health conditions – this group is still advised to avoid social contact with others but, if they do with to meet with others, to follow the social distancing guidance carefully.
- All others – everyone else is now allowed to meet another household in any setting – public or private, indoors or outside. We are advised to all still follow social distancing and good hygiene rules when meeting with other households though. Overnight stays away from home with one other household.
Full details
on the relaxation of the coronavirus restrictions can be found at:
www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do
Some charities have implemented stricter lockdowns than the government advised. If this is the case for your charity, you could now start to look at easing these in consultation with your residents.
If you have
removed any services to residents, you may wish to look at reintroducing these
in a coronavirus secure way. This may include reintroducing warden visits if you are able to
provide adequate personal protective equipment to your staff and social
distancing measures are followed.
It is not
clear whether communal rooms can be
reopened. Although gathering of up to 30 people are allowed, it is still
recommended that those gathering do not interact with more than one other
household at a time. We recommend that you look at the particular circumstances
of your property and residents and carry out a thorough risk assessment.
If you do
decide to open your communal area, you will need to ensure that social
distancing can be maintained. This may require you to limit the number of
people who can use the room at any one time, removing some of the furniture to
allow for more space, putting down floor markings, and providing hand
sanitiser. These areas will need to be cleaned more often.
The re-opening of any guest room facilities you offer will also depend on the set up of your property and the residents you cater to. It is important to carry out a risk assessment and, if you do decide to re-open any guest rooms, ensure that they are coronavirus secure. Things you may wish to consider include:
- limiting the
number of nights that a guest can stay
- limiting
guests to emergencies only (e.g. if a resident has been discharged from
hospital)
- increasing
the guest room charge to cover any additional cleaning/PPE costs you may incur
- putting in
any additional terms you think appropriate to minimise the risk of infection to
the wider almshouse community
Local lockdowns may be implemented in your area and you should receive information from your local authority on the measures being implemented if this does happen. Make sure your residents are aware of the rules around the test and trace system and remind them that if they are asked to do so, they will be required to self-isolate for two weeks. If they are asked to do this, they need to make you aware so that you can organise any help they might need. More information about the test and trace system can be found at:
www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/testing-and-tracing/nhs-test-and-trace-if-youve-been-in-contact-with-a-person-who-has-coronavirus/
Posted 9 July 2020