CARE home bosses say they feel more prepared for coronavirus as winter begins.

Homes across Essex are getting prepared for a feared second wave of the virus.

Debbie Carson, manager at Penny Pot care home in Alton Road, Clacton, said everyone still had a lot to learn about the virus.

She said: “We haven’t stopped being cautious. We went back into lockdown two weeks ago.

“Any visits are risk assessed and only take place if the mental wellbeing of the resident involved outweighs the risk of Covid bring contracted.

“Our main issue is when staff have to self isolate because of track and trace, family members showing symptoms or children’s classes closing.

“It has a serious impact on the homes but we have now put a contingency plan in place to ensure care isn’t compromised.”

The directors of Corner Lodge, in Meadow Way, Jaywick, said: “On an individual basis and for the care industry it’s a concern that cases are increasing but we certainly feel more prepared.

“Although we were not affected by Covid in March, we are in a much better position now to protect residents and staff alike.

“We have a weekly Covid testing regime, although initial stages were a challenge, which is working with just a few blips.

“We are allowing visitors on an appointment basis at the moment but limited to certain numbers and just one area in the home to minimise risk.

“Given the greater understanding of the pandemic we have invested in temperature checks for everyone entering the building.

“We feel the testing and our cleaning regimes are key until a vaccine is available.”

Care UK, runs homes across Essex.

A spokesperson said staff received weekly testing.

She said: “If someone in any of our homes has symptoms of Covid-19, or a confirmed test in an asymptomatic case, then we do have to close the home for all but the most essential visits until the quarantine period is over.”

Kausar Sadiq, manager at Corner House Residential Home, in Clacton, said: “This time around we are not going into the unknown, so despite the concerns, we feel we are better placed to deal with the threat of Covid.

“Staff are being tested weekly and residents monthly as per government protocols. This is key and are now running smoothly.

“Our approach to visitors has changed to more caution and on an appointment basis at the moment.”