We need better testing and more restrictions at care homes, say worst-hit London boroughs

London boroughs with the highest number of coronavirus care home deaths have appealed for better testing and restrictions on the transfer of elderly residents across the capital.

They are concerned that infected residents may still be discharged from hospital to care homes, despite a Government pledge to test them before leaving hospital.

They have also claimed that some care homes were admitting new patients to generate income, with infection control only a secondary concern.

Councils have no power to stop care homes accepting new residents and say there is no way to ensure that care homes that have had an outbreak are following infection control rules to prevent new arrivals catching coronavirus.

It came as the Government expanded testing to all care home staff and residents, regardless of whether they display symptoms.

The Care Quality Commission yesterday revealed there had been 447 Covid-19 deaths in London care homes in the fortnight to April 2, including 40 in Enfield and 31 in Ealing.

Borough leaders believe the death toll of infected residents is far higher.

Ealing council leader Julian Bell, in a letter to Health Secretary Matt Hancock, said the borough was a “net importer” of care home residents, “which means our social care teams will have no prior relationship with these residents and are not party to these transfers”.

He added: “We are concerned that the system pressures and financial drivers which are leading to care homes admitting new residents are outweighing the need to manage cross infection effectively.

“We would therefore request that Public Health England and CQC use their existing powers to provide a clear directive to providers to not admit new placements where there are outbreaks in a home.”

The Government said more than 25,000 care staff had been tested.

Mr Hancock said: “Testing is now available to all over 65s, and their households, if they have symptoms.”