Covid restrictions on care homes in England will be eased from 31 January as Plan B measures are removed nationwide.
From Monday, there will be no limit on the number of visitors allowed into care homes and self-isolation periods will be cut and now care homes only have to follow outbreak management rules for 14 rather than 28 days.
Changes to testing and isolation requirements for those receiving care include self-isolation periods reduced from 14 to ten days for those who test positive, with further reductions if they test negative on days five and six.
Isolation periods for those in care following an emergency hospital visit will be reduced from 14 to a maximum ten days, in line with the NHS and following the latest advice from SAGE.
The government will also removing testing or self-isolation requirements following normal visits out.
By Wednesday 16 February, care workers will be asked to use LFD tests before their shifts replacing the current system which included the use of weekly asymptomatic PCR tests.
The Department of Health and Social Care said the changes will ensure those providing and receiving care are kept safe while increasing freedoms for residents.
“I know how vital companionship is to those living in care homes and the positive difference visits make, which is why we continued to allow three named visitors and an essential care giver under Plan B measures,” added Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid.
“Thanks to the progress we have made, I am delighted that care home restrictions can now be eased further allowing residents to see more of their loved ones.”
Updated guidance will be published in due course with further details on changes to visiting, isolation and testing.
As set out in the Autumn and Winter Plan, the government will continue to provide LFDs free of charge in the coming months, but universal free provision will end at a later stage as the government’s response to the virus changes.
