Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will extend PCR covid-19 testing supported living homes for adults with learning difficulties on the same basis as is provided to residential care homes; and if he will make a statement.

In December 2020 we launched regular weekly PCR testing for staff and monthly for residents in the most high-risk extra care and supported living settings. Eligible settings must meet both of the following criteria - a closed community with substantial facilities shared between multiple people and where most residents receive the kind of personal care that is regulated by the Care Quality Commission, rather than help with cooking, cleaning and shopping. These criteria were set in consultation with the sector to identify settings most similar to care homes, and most at risk of an outbreak.