Families and friends to be reunited with loved ones in care homes as visits restart

What does this mean?

• Care home residents will start to be reunited with their friends and family, where safe
• Local directors of public health will, with their authorities, lead the decision-making process for care home visits
• Thorough risk assessments will take place based on specific care homes and the community context
• Appropriate safety precautions will be required, including face coverings, and social distancing measures

Background Information

The government guidance is published here

It will be updated as the risk posed by coronavirus continues to change. People should check this guidance at regular intervals to ensure they’re viewing the most recent version.

The decision on whether or not to allow visitors, and in what circumstances, is an operational decision and therefore ultimately for the provider and managers of each individual setting to make.

This decision should be based on the advice from the director of public health, as well as any additional advice or guidance from the local infection control lead from the clinical commissioning group (CCG), and the local Public Health England health protection team.

A constant visitor is a nominated person, a son, or wife for example, who can visit the resident.