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Thanet care homes are effectively in lockdown as coronavirus cases reach their highest levels in Kent since June , claims a Margate boss.
Maria Kallis, who runs Eaton Lodge Nursing Home in Westgate, is one of 40 managers in the district raising concerns about the "confusing" and "conflicting" guidance from national and local health authorities.
They have resorted to "comparing notes" in a private Whatsapp group as some families have told staff they are "frightened" to send their elderly relatives to nursing or residential homes in the area.
Although Thanet cases remain low at around seven new weekly cases, nearly five cases per 100,000 people, there remains fear from staff around the lack of clarity from the government and KCC.
Mrs Kallis, who has had no positive Covid cases at Eaton Lodge during the pandemic, said: "Most of the homes in Thanet are choosing to lockdown because we are concerned for our clients."
Her 30 staff are tested weekly but there can be lengthy delays before the results come back, with some employees afraid to socialise outside of work in case they bring the virus into the care home with them.
A total of 21 elderly residents are staying at Eaton - which has a capacity for 24 - but tight restrictions have been put on the home, with some not being able to see relatives for more than six months.
Gravesham Borough Council leader John Burden (Lab), a KCC adult social care committee member, says the sector has become the "forgotten group" again.
During a virtual public meeting yesterday, he said: "What are we doing to work with staff to ensure the nursing home is a safe environment?"
In the summer, care homes received a government cash boost. Around £21,000 was sent to Eaton Lodge from an £18m Covid support grant given to KCC. This was spent on staff equipment and more bed linen.
Hundreds of personal protective equipment (PPE) items have also been sourced from the Department for Health and Social Care. Eaton's weekly order includes 600 aprons, 600 gloves and 300 masks and visors.
But, the future of care homes remains a concern. Mrs Kallis, who is in her late 60s, has called for more financial aid from the Government and said: "It's a thankless task which our workers and the sector has stuck with, but a lot of homes are struggling to keep viable."
Yesterday, KCC adult social care committee members said visiting care homes had been "fraught" with issues while Cllr Ida Linfield, of Canterbury South, said she recently contacted five care homes within her division and bosses said they were carrying out "their own testing".
In response, KCC's adult social care corporate director Richard Smith said the county council continues to work closely with the NHS and CQC to ensure adequate arrangements are in place across the county.
An NHS winter plan was published last Saturday, which lays out key measures and powers that the Government and local authorities have in reducing the spread of Covid infection through adult social care.
He said: "What is difficult this year is the threat of a Covid second spike but also seasonal flu.
"We are busily working with providers and it's interesting that the winter plan this year has a real focus on partnership between the voluntary sector and health colleagues."
