VISITS to loved ones in care homes, during lockdown, may still be able to go ahead in Worcestershire.
Latest central government guidance says family visits can go ahead in some situations if they are done safely.
The latest guidance says care homes must have arrangements in place such as substantial screens and visiting pods or if the visits can be arranged behind windows. Each care home must decide if it can offer visits safely.
Close contact visits are not allowed, and if there is an outbreak of Covid-19 there would be no visitors. However, visits for compassionate reasons, if a resident is receiving end-of-life care visits are permitted.
Public Health in Worcestershire, has welcomed this latest guidance, recognising the huge emotional toll the pandemic has brought to families with loved ones in care homes.
Dr Kathryn Cobain, Director for Public Health for Worcestershire said: “We know how difficult the pandemic has been for families with loved ones in care homes.
“We welcome this guidance from the Government which will mean some families have an opportunity to see their loved ones or be with them at the end of their lives.
“We have to make sure all residents and their families and staff are kept safe, which is why we need to have these strict measures in place.
“Public Health has been and will continue to work closely with colleagues from Adult Social Care and care homes to ensure families can continue to support their loved ones while keeping our most vulnerable residents safe.
