More than £19milion is being shared between Surrey care homes and providers to help keep coronavirus at bay. This is Surrey County Council’s share of the government’s £600 million Infection Control Fund ring-fenced to help social care halt the spread of Covid-19.

More than £14 million of the grant is being distributed to care homes in two instalments, based on the number of beds at each. The grant must be spent on measures to reduce the spread of Covid-19, maintain infection control, and support the resilience of the workforce. Uses might include reducing staff travel between care homes or employing additional staff where needed.

The remaining 25 per cent of the grant is being shared out in line with local priorities agreed by the county council, the Surrey Care Association and other partners. Other types of care provider, including home-based care and supported living services, will share in this funding. A small proportion will be retained to contribute towards the costs of PPE bought by the council.

Previously, £10 million in grants to help adult social care providers was announced by SCC to help deal with the pandemic.

Cllr Sinead Mooney

Sinead Mooney, Cabinet member for Adults and Public Health, said: “This new funding will be a real help to care homes in keeping coronavirus at bay so Surrey residents can have confidence their loved ones will be safe and happy.

“The funds will enable homes and their incredible and dedicated staff to build on work they’re already doing to drive out the virus and prevent future outbreaks. They’re being supported by local public service partners who are committed to strong and high-quality social care.”

The funding comes on top of a package of support being co-ordinated locally by the Surrey Local Resilience Forum, a partnership of councils, the NHS and other public services. The support includes a named clinical contact for each care home, help with administering testing, ensuring effective infection control and sourcing of emergency PPE if needed.