The government is providing an additional £60m to local authorities to support the adult social care response to Covid-19 in January.
The Adult Social Care – Omicron Support Fund is on top of the £388m infection control and testing fund announced last year.
Local authorities can use the funding to support the sector and protect people from Covid infection.
This includes investing in improved ventilation, increasing the use of direct payments – which are offered to people with eligible social care needs so they have choice and control over their care and support arrangements – or paying for COVID-19 sickness and self-isolation pay for staff.
“Protecting care staff and people who use social care services continues to be a priority, especially as cases surge and Omicron spreads rapidly around the country,” said care minister Gillian Keegan.
“Extra funding will ensure that we continue to support adult social care to keep people safe and prevent outbreaks. A huge thank you goes out to care workers for all they are doing to care for people and keep themselves and others safe this winter,” she added.
Care home guidance was changed recently to protect residents further by allowing each resident to have three listed visitors as well as an essential care giver, either a family member or friend, who may visit the home to offer companionship or help with care needs.
