Home Office preparedness for Covid-19 (Coronavirus)

The government stated that it does not believe the Home Office or accommodation providers should develop independent testing strategies for asylum seekers, instead advocating for a consistent approach with the wider population based on scientific advice. It affirms that accommodation providers are ensuring testing takes …

The government states it expects high standards and has been in daily contact with providers to ensure contractual requirements are met. It outlines existing measures such as issuing guidance, providing cleaning items and laundry services in full board, and increasing cash allowances for dispersed accommodation. …

The government states that providers are monitored to ensure high standards and meet contractual requirements, which include providing essential items and support for self-isolation. Existing measures like food parcels, telephony, free cleaning items, increased cash allowance, and a 24/7 helpline are already in place.

The government recognises the importance of access to information and states they have already ensured Wi-Fi or data-only SIM cards are available in initial accommodation and hotels, and that communication costs are covered in asylum seeker allowances.

The government denies encouraging asylum seekers to leave accommodation for Wi-Fi and states it already ensures access to Wi-Fi or SIM cards in initial accommodation and hotels, with communication costs covered in allowances.

The government states that existing Asylum Accommodation and Support contracts already mandate accommodation providers to ensure access to health services, including signposting, liaising with health authorities, and securing GP registrations for vulnerable users. They also confirm providers are required to ensure healthy, fresh food appropriate …

The government states that existing contracts mandate accommodation providers to facilitate access to health services and secure GP registrations for vulnerable service users. It clarifies that lack of proof of address is not grounds for refusal and existing guidance should be followed.

The government commits to continuing to work with relevant partners to ensure translated PHE COVID-19 guidance is kept up to date and made available to service users as health guidance evolves.

The government accepts that Mears's local engagement and communication in Glasgow was inadequate, and commits to continued engagement with stakeholders, investigation of concerns, sharing operational lessons, and has established a National Safeguarding Forum.

The government acknowledges the challenges with the dispersal policy and outlines ongoing efforts, including the establishment of the HOLGCEX group and an agreed approach from 2019 to achieve more equitable asylum dispersal across the UK. It also details continued engagement with local authorities and strategic …

The government highlights its commitment to working collaboratively with communities and stakeholders, detailing established groups like HOLGCEX and ongoing engagement with local authorities and Strategic Migration Partnerships to improve asylum dispersal and address capacity issues.

The government confirmed that they engaged in careful discussion and planning with Public Health Agencies, Local Authorities, other government departments, and stakeholders, including the voluntary sector, before resuming cessations in a phased approach from August.

The government stated that existing precautionary measures for managing COVID-19 risks in immigration detention, including isolation protocols and alignment with public health guidance, already address the recommendation for staff guidance.

The government acknowledges the failures in communication and duty of care identified by the Committee, noting that Mears has apologised. It states that the Home Office and Mears have met with public health officials to learn lessons and are taking appropriate action to support providers …

The government acknowledges the concerns, states that Mears has apologised for communication shortcomings during moves from Urban House, and commits to taking appropriate action to support providers in managing future dispersals and outbreaks.

The government states that the Home Office and Mears have met with the Director of Public Health for Wakefield to discuss lessons learned from the Urban House incident. Mears has apologised for communication shortcomings, and the government is taking appropriate action to support providers in …

The government states that the Home Office and Mears have met with the Director of Public Health for Wakefield to learn lessons from the Urban House dispersal, and Mears has apologised for communication shortcomings. They are taking appropriate action to support providers in managing future …

The government has resumed cessations in a phased approach since August, starting with those granted refugee status and later for those refused asylum, following careful discussion and planning with public health agencies and local authorities. They committed to continued engagement with stakeholders.

The government states that Border Force already provided a comprehensive readiness programme and training to staff in advance of implementation, and that staff guidance is continually reviewed and updated routinely ahead of changes taking effect.

The Government agrees swift action is needed and states it already uses the Joint Biosecurity Centre, working with PHE, to assess risks and inform ministerial decisions for travel corridor exemptions, promising to continue this review.

The government details the criteria used for risk assessment, including viral incidence, transmission status, and testing capacity, and states that current travel corridor information is available on gov.uk. It does not commit to publishing a specific 'traffic light system' or its categorisations.

The Government states that lead responsibility for the international travel programme has transferred from the Home Office to the Department for Transport, with the Secretary of State for Transport now responsible for signing regulations, while collaborative efforts across departments continue.

The government claims high compliance and describes its existing enforcement mechanisms, including Border Force checks, PHE's Isolation Assurance Service, and police referrals. It notes that "data in relation to Border Health measures" was published once on gov.uk, but does not commit to the routine fortnightly …

The Government states that Border Force and the Home Office already regularly reappraise PPE requirements and maintain good stock levels, and will continue these efforts to protect officers.

The government states it has successfully ensured sufficient PPE supply, installed protective screens, and will continue to work with partners and regularly reappraise PPE requirements for Border Force officers, implying existing measures address staff safety concerns.