The HSE has produced new guidelines aimed at reducing the risk of spreading the coronavirus in residential care settings, including nursing homes.

The objective is to have as many staff as possible working in just one setting. This includes agency staff who, in normal times, commonly work in more than one location.

The guidelines call on different organisations to work collaboratively to ensure that staff work in as few different locations as possible.

But it says there should be direct discussions with the staff concerned, and that employers should seek permission from workers before discussions take place with other employers or organisations.

The advice also says employment contracts should be respected, and that organisations and services should offer “the maximum number of hours to staff in order to maintain overall earnings,” while minimising the risks for staff and service users.

It says: “Staff should be rostered over the longest possible period, to maintain the stability of the workforce in the work area and to minimise the need for staff to work in other settings, and to minimise the associated risks to service users and staff.

“All providers should respect the staff member’s contractual arrangements and acknowledge that changes required are necessary in the interests of public health.”

Read the guidelines HERE.