LONDON (Reuters) – Care home residents in England will be allowed one regular visitor from March 8, the government said, while it begins reducing COVID-19 lockout measures, backed by distribution of vaccines to older and clinically vulnerable people.
The first dose of COVID-19 vaccine has been offered to older people living in care homes as part of a program that has received nearly 17 million views to date.
The number of infections in the UK has also fallen from a peak at the start of the year, although it remains high, the government said on Saturday.
Each care home resident can nominate one visitor, who must take a COVID-19 test in advance, wear personal protective equipment during the trip and avoid close contact beyond holding hands .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the move would allow people to be carefully and safely reunited with loved ones.
“This is just the first step in getting back to where we want to be,” he said.
“We need to make sure we keep the rate of the disease down, so that we can get more step-by-step visits in the future.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson will rule Britain’s way out of lockdown on Monday. The measures will be cautious and inconsistent, although March 8 is also likely to reopen schools.
Reciting with Paul Sandle; Edited by Nick Macfie