Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to prepare for the care of elderly people at home if they contract covid-19; and whether additional protection will be supplied to carers during the outbreak.

Current evidence suggests that the risk from coronavirus is greater for older people and people with existing health conditions, such as lung and heart conditions. We would therefore encourage those caring for such people to ensure they are following the stringent hygiene measures recommended by the National Health Service. Anyone with symptoms should avoid seeing older relatives or people with health conditions to avoid passing it on to them. We also advise carers to put in place a plan for all those they look after in case they are unable to attend them, taking into account their medication and care needs. Measures might include helping older relatives and neighbours to have someone available to go shopping for them or arranging for online delivery if needed.

Anyone concerned about COVID-19 can call NHS 111 for advice. This includes carers who suspect those they care for may have been in contact with COVID-19.