Specialist refuge/Safe accommodation (shared house) All refuges working jointly with local authorities should assess the risks both for the residents of the refuge and the individual concerned. If a refuge client or their children becomes unwell with a new, continuous cough or high temperature, both they and their family should remain in their own room and follow the self-isolation guidance. Ideally, a window should be opened for ventilation. Staff should go online to NHS 111 or call 111 (if they don’t have internet access). In an emergency, call 999 if the person is seriously ill or their life is at risk. The unwell person should not visit a GP, pharmacy, urgent care centre or a hospital. The refuge can remain open with refuge staff and visiting professionals being able to leave and enter the unaffected areas of the refuge as required. However, continuity of staff should be maintained where possible and staff should follow infection control procedures. Staff should ensure that the unwell person minimises visiting shared spaces, such as kitchens, bathrooms and sitting areas, as much as possible and keep shared spaces well ventilated if possible. Wherever possible, unwell persons should not visit shared spaces when others are present. The unwell person should aim to keep 2 metres from other clients and staff in the refuge and not share a bed with their children. If toilet or bathroom facilities are shared, the unwell client should use a separate bathroom if possible. The bathroom should be cleaned and disinfected using regular cleaning products before being used by other clients or staff. If a separate bathroom is not available, consideration should be given to drawing up a rota for washing or bathing, with the person who is unwell using the facilities last, before thoroughly cleaning the bathroom themselves (if they are able or it is appropriate). If a child is ill, their parent should clean the bathroom.
A person who is unwell should use separate body and hand towels from other people. They should avoid using shared kitchens while others are present. They and their children should take their meals back to their room to eat and use a dishwasher (if available) to clean and dry crockery and cutlery. Staff should follow the guidance on cleaning and disposal of waste. Specialist refuge/Safe accommodation (self-contained units with some shared spaces) If a refuge client or one of their children becomes unwell with a new, continuous cough or high temperature, both they and their family should remain in their self-contained unit and use their own bathroom and kitchen if at all possible. They should follow the self-isolation guidance. Ideally, a window should be opened for ventilation. The refuge can remain open with refuge staff and visiting professionals being able to leave and enter the refuge as required. However, consistent staff rotas should be used where possible and staff should follow infection control procedures. Staff should ensure that the unwell person minimises visiting shared spaces, such as kitchens and sitting areas, as much as possible and keep shared spaces well ventilated if possible. . Wherever possible, unwell persons should not visit shared spaces when others are present. The unwell person should aim to keep 2 metres from other clients and staff in the refuge and not share a bed with their children. If they are not able to avoid using shared kitchens while others are present, they and their children should take their meals back to their unit to eat and use a dishwasher (if available) to clean and dry crockery and cutlery. Staff should follow the guidance on cleaning and disposal of waste. Dispersed safe accommodation with support Households living in semi-independent accommodation should follow the general guidance for households published by the government. Visiting professional workers can continue to provide support to clients and their children but should follow infection control guidelines particularly closely. Wherever possible, support should be provided over the telephone or via the internet instead of in person. Properties within Sanctuary Schemes or other enhanced security measures Properties within sanctuary schemes are domestic abuse survivors’ own homes, where it is safe for them to remain and families should follow the general guidance for households published by the government. Visiting professional workers can continue to provide support to clients and their children but should follow infection control guidelines particularly closely. Wherever possible, support should be provided over the telephone or via the internet instead of in person.