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The lack of available testing for social care was particularly damaging, as we discuss in...

Conclusion
The lack of available testing for social care was particularly damaging, as we discuss in more detail later in this Report. Crucially, it was not until mid-April that covid-19 testing was made a requirement for people discharged from hospital to social care—even on 2 April 2020 guidance still stated that negative tests were not required for a discharge to social care.268
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government Acknowledged
The government recognises and has responded to the impact of the pandemic on the social care sector. The Prime Minister’s announcement of the ‘Build Back Better’ plan for health and social care in September 20213 set out a clear programme of reform as well as proposals for a sustainable funding model and to bring the social care and health sectors closer together which will strengthen the provision of adult social care services. The plan also made a commitment to close working with the devolved governments, laying the foundations for a programme of joint working for the UK to build back better from the pandemic.
Addressee Bodies
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
Timeline
Recommendation age 4.6 yrs
Report published 12 Oct 2021