COVID-19 has permeated every aspect of health and social care, presenting challenges to the NHS and private sector. The situation is evolving but key concerns are highlighted in this Insight with practical advice on managing risk and indemnity issues.

On 15 April 2020, the Government issued the “COVID-19: Our Action Plan for Adults Social Care”. We set out an overview of the plan, which includes the creation of the care sector's own brand (CARE), and link it to some guidance already issued.

The General Permitted Development Order 2020 came into effect on 9 April, allowing local authorities and certain health service bodies to carry out development for dealing with emergencies. We look at its effect and impact in the current climate.

The response to the COVID-19 pandemic is creating a number of challenges for landlords and tenants, and we are advising on the issues arising from the restrictions in place. Here we answered some FAQs and set out practical options for you to consider.

COVID-19 has presented unprecedented challenges for general practice in relation to the delivery of care. We answer common questions about indemnity cover arising from changes to personnel and the way that care is delivered during the emergency.

The Supreme Court has determined that an otherwise blameless employer should not be vicariously liable where a rogue employee stole HR information relating to colleagues, as part of a vendetta against his employer.

Some NHS Trusts have already announced emergency service changes as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Typically these changes are a response to an increase in the numbers of patients and a decrease in staff numbers due to sickness/self-isolation.

COVID-19 poses significant resource and logistics challenges for all those who work with protected parties who lack capacity under the Mental Capacity Act 2005. Here we explore how the principles of the MCA 2005, are to operate in a COVID-19 environment.

The Coronavirus Act gives the government the power to take urgent action to tackle the issues caused by the virus. We highlight the key provisions in healthcare, including the ongoing changes the Act brings and how it may impact your organisation.

The Coronavirus Act 2020 effectively suspends CCG’s and NHS Trust’s duties to carry out assessments under Regulations 21 and 28 of the NHS Commissioning Board and Clinical Commissioning Groups Regulations 2012, and the CHC Framework.

The anticipated strain on acute beds, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, has meant that hospitals need to ensure beds are used only for those patients strictly in need of in-hospital clinical care.

We have been helping clients in a number of ways in light of the unprecedented situation with the COVID-19 pandemic—here we set out examples of the support that we are giving and other useful guidance.