Ministers are expected to reintroduce restrictions on the number of visitors to care homes in England, The Times has learnt.
In a move which will for some recall the most restrictive elements of previous lockdowns, care-home residents could be told to choose three people who will be able to visit them. The exact number is still under consideration.
The testing regime for those visitors who are allowed into care homes is likely to be beefed up, as it will be for staff.
Ministers are also looking at whether restrictions will be needed over Christmas for residents leaving care homes. Last year those who wanted to leave to form a Christmas bubble could only do so with one household, all members of which had to have had a negative test result immediately beforehand. On their return to the care home, residents had to self-isolate.
Announcing the move to plan B measures in the House of Commons on Wednesday, Sajid Javid, the health secretary, hinted at restrictions on care homes, telling MPs: “We will also be taking further measures to protect and support adult social care, and we will be updating the House on a package of measures later this week.”
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Campaigners fear that the measures could result in another lonely Christmas for many in care. Dennis Reed, of Silver Voices, said: “Visits, particularly at Christmas, are a lifeline for older people who have experienced long periods of loneliness as a result of the restrictions. We understand the reasons for them but they need to be proportionate and consistent. I don’t think there needs to be a limit on the number of people who can visit if they are showing negative tests. Saying only three seems a bit arbitrary.”
Reed said that some care homes were imposing their own rules banning Christmas visits unless relatives could show proof of vaccination.
