The outbreak of COVID-19 presents one of the country’s most significant challenges in recent years. We understand this is an extremely worrying time for everyone, not least for the older and more vulnerable members of society and their loved ones. Our Staff members are here to deliver essential care to clients and also offer support such as advice to stay physically and mentally active and well at home, for example, nutrition and exercise. We also support with shopping and picking up medication and helping older people to stay connected with family and friends remotely through technology.
Our offices are working hard throughout the crisis to ensure that our clients get the support they need during this time, as well as ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our Staff members as key workers out there delivering care at home.
We are following the Government’s guidance on delivering home care during this time to ensure that we are minimising the risk of spreading the illness whilst still providing our vital service to clients so that they can stay safe and well at home.
Destiny Health Care office is working hard to continually monitor and respond to the developments around COVID-19, following the direction provided by the UK’s Public Health Authorities, World Health Organisation and keeping a close eye on the situation. Destiny Health Care is keeping the Business Continuity Plans under review in preparation for a possible escalation of the outbreak. Everything we do is always with the wellbeing of our clients, teams and Staff members foremost in our minds at this difficult time.
As epidemics/pandemics can change quickly and unpredictably, it will be important to stay updated on the latest Destiny Health Care information regarding COVID-19. It is our intent to not overload you with information, but we will make regular updates as and when necessary.
In all matters, we will continue to operate under the guide lines of the relevant health authorities, in particular the Public Health England Guidance and these involve proportionate and sensible steps being taken. Carers have been reminded of the importance of good hand hygiene in preventing the transmission of this virus and our policies and procedures are being reviewed daily.
Advice for prevention
At the time of writing this notice, there has been a number of cases reported in the UK and this number is steadily rising. However, 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.
- If you are unwell, stay at home and contact the 111 Coronavirus helpline (valid in all countries of the UK)
- If you are asked to self-isolate please follow the NHS Advice
Travel
For those who need to travel, please stay current with COVID-19 developments and travel advice found at the Gov.uk website. Exercise caution while traveling, practice the above prevention points.
Useful links for further up to date information
For the most up-to-date information, you can visit The Department of Health and Social Care or see the below links for various official sources.
- UK – Action Plan
- World Health Organisation
- Advice for the public
- FAQ on coronaviruses (COVID-19)