Care home residents allowed up to five visitors from 17 May

Care home residents will be able to have up to five named visitors and visit GPs, dentists and day centres without self-isolating from Monday 17 May.

Boris Johnson confirmed in a Downing Street press conference last night, the number of named family members or friends able to visit their loved ones in care homes will be increased from two to five, as the visiting restrictions continue to ease. A maximum of two visitors will be allowed at any one time or on any given day.

Activities outside of the care home that will not require self-isolation on their return include GPs, dentists, medical appointments, a workplace, educational setting and day centres.

The government had already scrapped the self-isolation rule on 1 May for 'low-risk' outdoor visits such as trips to the beach or park.

Minister for Care, Helen Whately said: "The measures we have taken during this pandemic have always been to protect our most vulnerable, but I have heard first-hand from those living and working in care homes how difficult the restrictions have been.

“The new guidance allows more family and friends to reunite and reduces the need to self-isolate, which I know many have found incredibly challenging. As we turn the tide on this cruel virus I want to make visiting as normal as possible by the summer, and this is an important step on that path.”

This follows a reduction in COVID-19 cases and the ongoing successful vaccine rollout with 95 per cent of older care home residents receiving their first jab.

Ms Whately added: “Thanks to the phenomenal success of the vaccine rollout and a reduction in cases across the country, I am pleased we can now take another step towards getting back to normal while protecting those in care homes from the continued risk of Covid-19.”

The period when a Covid-19 outbreak in a care home will also change from 28 days to 14 days after the last positive case assuming there are no Variants of Concern (VOC) identified.

This means visits can resume sooner following an outbreak, once the relevant testing has been completed and provided all staff and residents tested receive a negative result.

Professor Deborah Sturdy, chief nurse for adult social care said: “The pandemic has been so difficult for those living in care homes and our social care workforce have done a brilliant job of keeping their residents safe and supported. I know this change to the guidance will be a huge boost to so many, giving more people the chance to reunite with more of their friends and family.”

'I would like to thank all our social care workers for their efforts'

Other changes for 17 May include indoor hospitality can reopen and indoor entertainment can resume, including cinemas, museums, and children’s play areas. Up to six people or two households will be able to meet indoors and up to 30 people outdoors.

All remaining outdoor entertainment can reopen, such as outdoor cinemas and performances. Some larger events will be able to take place, including conferences, theatre and concert performances, and sports events.

The public can also make informed, personal decisions on close contact, such as hugging, with their friends and family. Close contact continues to carry a risk of catching or spreading COVID-19, and people must consider the risk to themselves and to others.

Chair of the Adult Social Care Covid-19 Taskforce, Sir David Pearson said: “I would like to thank all our social care workers for their efforts during the last very difficult year, and for having the vaccine and supporting those they care for to get vaccinated.

“This is a significant step on the road to normality for so many. We are only able to increase visits in and out of care homes thanks to the hard work of social care staff maintaining good infection prevention and control, and the effect of the vaccines in driving down transmission.”

Step four is due to take place no earlier than 21 June. Further detail on Step four will be set out at the end of the month.

To read more about the latest care home visiting guidance for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland click here