Isolation rules eased for care home residents

CARE home residents will be allowed to reunite with friends and family outdoors without having to self-isolate on their return, as Boris Johnson last night signalled that further easing of lockdown rules would follow with Covid-19 rates continuing to decline.

All care home residents will from

Tuesday be able to go for walks in the park or visit a relative’s garden, provided they continue to socially distance and wash their hands regularly. They will also be able to visit public gardens and beaches – but they will be limited to meeting just one other person.

Care homes are currently subject to more stringent controls, to reduce the risk of outbreaks, with residents returning from visits required to self-isolate for 14 days before being able to mix again with others.

The restrictions have been criticised by relatives and campaigners, who have threatened legal action and say many residents have been deterred from going on visits, despite being fully vaccinated. Announcing the relaxation last

night, Mr Johnson said: “We know how challenging this time has been for care home residents, so I am pleased that they can now leave their homes to reunite with their loved ones outdoors.

“With the data continuing to head in the right direction and as restrictions ease, it is my priority to keep increasing visits for residents in the coming weeks in a safe and controlled way.”

Last night a Whitehall source said the Government was hopeful that additional easements could be announced in the coming weeks, with indoor household mixing of up to six people due to commence on May 17 under step three of the roadmap.

However, they added that restrictions on care homes were likely to continue to be lifted at a slower pace, because of the heightened risks for the residents there.

Despite the Department of Health and Social Care acknowledging that tumbling infection rates meant that visits were now “much safer”, the residents would still not be able to meet in groups, with visits limited to one other person. They would be required to be accompanied by either a care worker or a nominated visitor, and asked to avoid using public transport where possible.

It was also unclear whether outdoor visits to pubs and restaurants would be permitted in the new guidance, which is yet to be published.

Last night a Department for Health source said that while the guidance was not expected to prohibit trips to hospitality venues, any decision would require the agreement of individual care homes.

Helen Whately, the minister for social care, said: “I know residents and their families have found the restrictions on trips out of care homes incredibly difficult.

“This is one more step towards getting back to normal, while protecting care homes from the continued risk of Covid-19.

“I know this has been long-awaited for those who haven’t had a chance to enjoy trips out. I look forward to encouraging more visiting and trips out in future as we turn the tide on this cruel virus.”