The Welsh Conservatives’ Shadow Minister for Social Care and Older People’s champion - Janet Finch-Saunders AM - has today urged the Welsh Government to immediately start testing asymptomatic care home residents. 

During today’s plenary questions to the Welsh Health and Social Services Minister, Vaughan Gething AM, the Member for Aberconwy spoke of the 'unprecedented level' of correspondence she has received from individuals concerned about the vulnerability of care home residents. 

Of the 302 reported deaths in Welsh care homes, 119 have been registered as related to COVID-19. At a single care home in Newport, 15 residents have died over the span of a month. Whilst 14 residents reported coughs and high temperatures, only two have confirmed COVID-19 cases cited on their death certificates. 

Speaking after her virtual plenary appearance, Janet said: 

“Given the tragic level of deaths occurring in our care homes, I welcome the news that the Welsh Health Minister wishes to see testing made available to every care home resident.  

“Testing asymptomatic residents is vital. At present, we are oblivious to the prevalence of infection in care homes and the proportion of residents affected. 

“Care home residents are an extremely vulnerable set, living in surroundings which can encourage transmission between at-risk inhabitants. 

"The immediate testing of all asymptomatic care home residents will not only ensure their protection, but will also safeguard our selfless front-line staff.     

ENDS