BASW statement on the loss of a social worker to COVID-19

The British Association of Social Workers is deeply saddened to read reports on the loss of a social worker to COVID-19. 

The employee is reported to have worked for Southwark Council, who have stated losing a second colleague to the deadly virus too. 

Currently, we are not fully aware of all the details including whether the employee was likely to have contracted Covid-19 due to their job role, but will be following developments closely. 

We would like to send our heartfelt condolences to the families of the two people who have lost their lives in these awful circumstances. 

We will also continue our efforts to lobby for all social workers on the frontline delivering support to communities across the country to get the vital personal protective equipment they need, so they can better protected and in-turn, protect the vulnerable people they serve.