Visitors to adult social care settings are no longer required to have a temperature check on arrival.
The MHRA have advised there is little scientific evidence to support temperature screening as a reliable method for detection of COVID-19 or other febrile illness, especially when used as the main method for testing.
Temperature readings from temperature screening systems will measure skin temperature rather than core body temperature. In either case, natural fluctuations in temperature can occur among healthy individuals. These readings are therefore an unreliable measure for detection of COVID-19 or other diseases which may cause fever. Furthermore, infected people who do not develop a fever or who do not show any symptoms would not be detected by a temperature reading and could be more likely to unknowingly spread the virus.
It is therefore recommended that you follow the visitor guidance set out here: COVID-19 supplement to the infection prevention and control resource for adult social care – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
As per the guidance, visitors should not enter the care home if they are feeling unwell, even if they have tested negative for COVID-19, are fully vaccinated and have received their booster. Transmissible viruses such as flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and norovirus can be just as dangerous to care home residents as COVID-19. If visitors have any symptoms that suggest other transmissible viruses and infections, such as cough, high temperature, diarrhoea or vomiting, they should avoid the care home until at least 5 days after they feel better. All visitors should be encouraged to wear a face mask when visiting, if providing personal care show proof of their negative lateral flow test prior to entry and wear appropriate PPE , practice hand hygiene and ensure adequate ventilation.
For more information on safe infection prevention and control click here.