The government have announced they will be updating the guidance around care homes so that residents in England’s residential homes will be allowed to receive indoor visits from one person from 8 March as lockdown restrictions start to be eased.
Health secretary, Matt Hancock, made the announcement after a growing campaign by families and residents to be able to see their relatives.
The latest government guidance for care home visits, which came into force on 6th January, said: “Visiting should be supported and enabled wherever it is possible to do so safely – in line with this guidance and within a care home environment that takes proportionate steps to manage risks.”
But many care homes have remained shut to all but end-of-life visits in an attempt to keep out new fast-spreading Covid variants.
So what will be permitted from 8th March?
One nominated person will be allowed to visit someone in a care home, but must take a coronavirus lateral flow test before entry and wear personal protective equipment (PPE).
Residents will be asked not to hug or kiss their relatives, although hand-holding will be permitted.
Guidance for care homes is expected to be published in the next two weeks.
Outdoor visits will also continue, giving residents the chance to see more than just their named visitor.
