Staff at care home NOT being tested despite patient diagnosed with coronavirus

Oakridge House Care Home on Jefferson Road has been kept on lockdown today as staff have been cleaning in the wake of the news.

The gentleman was rushed to Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital overnight after being taken ill. 

Hampshire County Council, who runs the care home, confirmed the news to the Gazette this afternoon.

The nursing home says it's "closed due to infectious control procedure"

Outside the care home this morning was a highlighted note posted to the door which reads: “Closed due to infectious control procedure.”

A staff member from Oakridge House Nursing Home said they were waiting to be checked themselves in case the infection had spread. 

Hampshire’s Director of Public Health, Simon Bryant, said: “We have received confirmation from Public Health England that one case of Coronavirus (COVID-19) has been confirmed in a Hampshire County Council care home. The individual is currently being treated in hospital, and we continue to work very closely with specialists at Public Health England to minimise any spread of the virus.

“The County Council’s care homes operate rigorous infection control procedures at all times to ensure that our residents and staff remain as safe as possible. We will also be taking any further clinical measures that may be required, as per Public Health England’s advice.”

Dr Alison Barnett, centre director for Public Health England South East said:
“Public Health England is working with health colleagues and local authorities to support and advise around cases of COVID-19.

“Our priority is to urgently contact anyone who has been in close contact with a confirmed case. Close contacts will be given health advice about symptoms and emergency contact details to use if they become unwell in the 14 days after contact with the confirmed case. This tried and tested method will ensure we are able to minimise any risk to them and the wider public.

"Good hygiene is the best prevention and there are some simple steps you can take to protect you and your family by washing your hands regularly and thoroughly and if you cough, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue.

“If you have recently been to one of the affected countries and are feeling unwell, you should use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service that can tell if you need medical help and advise you what to do https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19 or ring NHS 111 – please don’t go to your doctor or a hospital.”

Hampshire’s Director of Public Health, Simon Bryant, said: “We have received confirmation from Public Health England that one case of Coronavirus (COVID-19) has been confirmed in a Hampshire County Council care home. The individual is currently being treated in hospital, and we continue to work very closely with specialists at Public Health England to minimise any spread of the virus.

“The County Council’s care homes operate rigorous infection control procedures at all times to ensure that our residents and staff remain as safe as possible. We will also be taking any further clinical measures that may be required, as per Public Health England’s advice.”