Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, when day centres and respite centres will be allowed to reopen to provide support to disabled individuals and their parents as covid-19 lockdown restrictions are eased.
We recognise the crucial role unpaid carers play, especially during the COVID-19 outbreak and the important role that day services play to provide care, and respite for carers.
Decisions on the running and re-opening of day services are made on a local basis. The Social Care Institute of Excellence has worked with the Department, local government and other key sector partners, to produce guidance which will support local authorities and providers to restart day services. This was published on 10 July. In addition, Public Health England is developing guidance on the use of personal protective equipment in community settings, which will be applicable to day services.