From Tuesday each resident can choose named visitors – two who can visit twice a week one at a time for those residents who are fully vaccinated, and one for those who are not fully vaccinated.
Homes are being told they can open to visitors at a time that is right for them and depending on their capacity to plan for visitors and undertake risk assessments. Homes can also choose to put in place further restrictions if they want to, for example by limiting visits to 30 minutes.
People are considered full vaccinated two weeks after their second dose of the vaccine.
Visitors must also provide evidence of a negative PCR test at least once a month, while those visiting residents who are not fully vaccinated must have had clear test no more than 72 hours before the visit. Care homes are to provide the names of visitors before tests can be booked.
Health Minister Richard Renouf said: ‘Now that a significant number of care home residents have received their second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, we have brought forward guidance that will help support safe visiting in care homes.
‘I’m so pleased that residents, families and friends will be able to see each other again. I must stress, however, that while the Covid-19 vaccine helps protect the recipient from illness, it is not yet known if it will prevent them transmitting Covid-19. Therefore, we must all strictly adhere to the guidance to help keep the unvaccinated safe. We must also recognise that, whilst the guidance will come into force on Tuesday, it may take time for individual care homes to put in place all the necessary safeguards.’
He added: ‘I’d like to thank residents for their patience while being distanced from those they love, and thank the care home staff for their incredible commitment and dedication to keeping their residents as safe as possible during this difficult time.’
No visits can take place in homes where a resident is currently positive.
