SOCIAL housing provider Incommunities has outlined the measures it is taking during the coronavirus pandemic.

Geraldine Howley, Incommunities Group Chief Executive said: “These are unprecedented times and we are determined to maintain the delivery of our essential services to our customers.

"They can be assured our experienced teams are focused on meeting their needs whilst adhering to the latest Government advice.

“At the same time we will continue to protect our workforce and ensure they are equipped and safe to carry out their work.

“Tackling this pandemic requires a concerted approach by partners, individuals and communities and together we can get through this difficult time.”

Its measures include:

  • Contacting all residents at retirement living schemes to ensure they have the support they need and provide specific help where it might be needed.
  • Where needed, providing staff, such as those working with older and vulnerable residents, with advice on minimising face to face contact and issuing the appropriate PPE like gloves, aprons and facemasks.
  • Increasing cleaning schedules at each scheme particularly focusing on touch points and surfaces.
  • Ceasing access to schemes for visitors in line with the latest Government advice
  • Contacting all customers over 70 years of age to check if they have any welfare needs.
  • Continuing to carry out emergency repairs when it is safe to do so and where there is minimal customer-staff contact. Teams are also carrying out repairs to empty homes to help in emergency circumstances like providing a home for a homeless customer or someone being released from hospital  
  • Prioritising resources to cover other key services like essential gas servicing, safety work, handling emergency rehousing cases and supporting the homeless
  • Putting in place strict guidelines on all home visits to protect customers and staff
  • Encouraging customers to contact them by telephone, email or digitally
  • Postponing all estate walkabouts until further notice.
  • Continuing to provide intensive housing management services to vulnerable customers
  • Working in partnership with Bradford Council and other partners to provide coordinated support.

Incommunities has also said it is arranging to distribute parcels of food and daily living supplies to households in need and local foodbanks.

This work is being carried out in partnership with Bradford Council.