Visits to care homes have been allowed to recommence from Wednesday 2 December providing that visitors can produce a negative rapid Covid test in advance of the visit.
Visits to family homes and parks may also now be possible for some care home residents under new government guidance.
The changes apply to care home residents in all tiers.
Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said: “The separation has been painful but has protected residents and staff from this deadly virus. This news has been made possible by the unprecedented strides made in testing technology and capacity, as well as extra PPE supplies. It will still be critical for visitors to wear appropriate PPE and follow other infection-control measures within the care home to keep their loved ones, other residents and staff safe.”
Minister for Care Helen Whately said: “It is impossible to eliminate risk entirely, but now thanks to an enormous expansion of testing capacity and a huge delivery of free PPE we can help to more safely reunite families throughout December.
DR UK’s Head of Policy Fazilet Hadi said: “It has taken far too long to get to this stage, with significant impacts on care home residents’ mental health, as well as the deteriorating impacts on those with dementia. We welcome this news and hope for better outcomes for care home residents going forward.”
Read the guidance here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/arrangements-for-visiting-out-of-the-care-home
Find out how to get a test here.