**NEWSFLASH**

15 September 2021 - Temporary medical exemptions for COVID-19 vaccination of people working or deployed in care homes in England - A letter has been issued to care home managers from the Director of Adult Social Care Delivery detailing temporary medical exemptions that come into force from today. People working or volunteering in care homes with a medical reason will be able to self-certify. Click here for more information and the self-certification form.

COVID-19 UPDATES

ENGLAND

• Shielding Programme Ends for Those Most Vulnerable
  • The government has agreed to end the requirement for shielding guidance for people previously considered to be clinically extremely vulnerable. Further information can be found here.

• COVID-19 Vaccination: Booster Dose
  • People aged 50 years and over, health and social care workers and younger people at risk are being offered a booster dose of coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine. Further information can be found here.

• Mandatory COVID Vaccination for Care Home Staff
  • The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) released operational guidance document on the vaccination of people working or deployed in care homes. To view the guidance click here.
  • For further information on the mandatory COVID vaccinations for care home staff in England, please visit the COVID-19 Hub to find NEW resources including a Mandatory COVID Vaccination Policy and Procedure, and a COVID-19 Vaccination Tracker and Planner, and FAQ's.

• Exemptions from Self-isolation
  • After close contact with someone who has COVID-19 are now in place for people fully vaccinated or under 18. A PCR test is required and anyone testing positive or has symptoms of COVID-19 must still self-isolate. Guidance about no longer having to self-isolate, if fully vaccinated, can be found here.

WALES

• Wales remains in Alert Level 0, for more information click here.
• The latest self-isolation rules in Wales can be found here.

SCOTLAND

• Scotland has moved beyond level 0, for more information click here.
• Scotland self-isolation exemption information can be found here.

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Other Updates:

• CQC's latest update on how they will assess quality and update ratings from August 2021 can be found here.
• The temporary adjusted checking process, due to COVID-19, for right to work checks have been deferred until 5th April 2022 when further guidance will be released. For the latest information click here.
• The National Data Guardian for England has published guidance on the appointment, role and responsibilities of Caldicott Guardians, for information click here.
• The 'Residential Services' category has been changed to 'Support Services'