Ahead of today’s Government press conference, Labour is calling for urgent action from the Government to support the social care system, which was already struggling before the pandemic.

Following concerns raised by the Alzheimer’s Society and others on the pressures facing the social care system, Labour is calling for clarity from the Government on the support it will provide to increase testing, access to PPE and financial support to the social care system.

Jonathan Ashworth MP, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Health and Social Care said:

“It’s heartbreaking to read reports of deaths and outbreaks of Covid-19 in care homes across the country. Every family with a loved one with dementia or needing help will be anxious to ensure they are receiving the care they need. And our hardworking care staff deserve protection and security too.

“Increased testing for care home residents and providing full PPE are both actions that should be taken to provide greater protection to those who receive care. We hear day after day that care homes aren’t able to access either tests or the PPE they need, putting both staff and care home residents at risk.”

“We cannot leave care home residents and staff fearing for their lives. The Government must provide reassurance to care home residents and their families by setting out the steps they are taking to keep people safe.”