Question reference: S5W-33440
- Asked by: Liam Kerr, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 20 November 2020
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Current status: Answered by Jeane Freeman on 10 December 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it has identified a COVID-19 testing system for visitors to care homes and, if so, whether it is currently being tested at any care homes in Scotland.
Answer
As outlined to Parliament on 25 November, lateral flow devices will be used to offer testing to designated care home visitors on the day of their visit. This will be rolled out to up to 12 early adopter care homes across four Local Authorities by 7 December, and to all care homes from 14 December. Training and support will be provided and where a care home cannot initially use Lateral Flow devices, PCR Tests will be provided to support visiting.
Testing is only one measure of protection against COVID-19, alongside a strong emphasis on robust infection prevention and control measures, including the use of PPE, the extended use of face masks, physical distancing and good hygiene.