Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what discussions he has had with local authorities’ social care providers on protecting older and vulnerable people from the coronavirus.

We have put in place proportionate, precautionary measures in response to the outbreak of coronavirus in China, guided by the clinical advice of the Chief Medical Officer and national experts in the treatment of infectious diseases.

On 3 February 2020 we issued advice to healthcare professionals in primary care and community settings including pharmacy. This advice was sent to all social care providers that are registered with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency Central Alerting System. This advice highlighted what to do if a someone has concerns that they may have been exposed to or become infected with the novel coronavirus. It also directed healthcare professionals to further online guidance produced by Public Health England.

In addition, through a National Steering Group, the department is working closely with national partners including the Care Provider Alliance, the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services, the Local Government Association and the Care Quality Commission to help co-ordinate advice and support to the adult social care sector.