Care home residents in all tiers across England will be able to see their families at Christmas via indoor visits under new Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) guidance.
Visits out to family homes or outdoor spaces like parks may also be possible for some residents aged under 65.
DHSC said the visits will be supported by the roll out of over one million rapid Covid tests and free PPE to be sent out to care homes over the next month.
The testing technology will allow friends and family to see relatives in care homes if they receive a negative test prior to the visit, it added.
“I know how difficult it has been for people in care homes and their families to be apart for so long. I’m so pleased we are now able to help reunite families and more safely allow people to have meaningful contact with loved ones by Christmas,” said Health Secretary Matt Hancock (pictured).
“This news has been made possible by the unprecedented strides made in testing technology and capacity, as well as extra PPE supplies, he added.
An extra 46m items of PPE will be sent to Care Quality Commission (CQC)-registered care providers through the government portal in addition to equipment already available.
DHSC said it will still be critical for visitors to wear appropriate PPE and follow infection control measures within the care home to protect residents and staff.
In addition, CQC inspectors will be tested weekly for COVID-19, following the decision to offer testing to key workers.
Christmas guidance on care home resident visits can be read here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/arrangements-for-visiting-out-of-the-care-home/visits-out-of-care-homes.
