Care home visits can resume from Monday under strict conditions

In updated guidance issued on Tuesday night, Robin Swann said that a single visitor can be permitted access to any care home – which is free of Covid-19 – provided the visit can be carried out safely and under the usual social distancing requirements.

A second visitor will be “accommodated where possible” if required, the minister said.

Mr Swann said revised guidance recognises the right of people to visit their loved ones in hospitals and care homes, “while balancing the ongoing risk from Covid-19.”

However, the minister added that all decisions on allowing visitors will have to be made on a day-to-day basis by the care home manager. Face coverings will also be compulsory.

“I understand that the temporary restrictions on visiting have been a particularly difficult consequence of Covid-19. However, they were necessary in limiting the spread of the virus,” Mr Swann said.

“I am acutely aware that there are many families yearning to see a loved one, either in hospital or in our care homes. As such I tasked officials, headed up by my Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), Professor Charlotte McArdle, to review the current visiting guidance.

“Following a review of the evidence, the Strategic Clinical Advisory Cell (SCAC) and CNO have published revised visiting guidance for all health and social care trust inpatient services including maternity services, mental health and learning disability inpatient services, care homes and hospices. This is effective from Monday, July 6.”

Mr Swann added: “While today’s announcement will be welcome news, we must remain mindful of the risk of this virus and as such virtual visiting is the preferred option where possible. If this is not possible then social distancing and hand washing remain vital.”

But concern has been raised about the prospect of care homes welcoming visitors again too soon.

Gerry Cullen, whose brother is a resident in the Valley Nursing Home in Clogher, Co Tyrone, has urged caution.

“I sincerely hope that any moves to relax visitor restrictions in care homes is solidly grounded in science and not as a result of good intentions, laudable that those intentions may be,” Mr Cullen told the News Letter.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride has said the department was expected to meet its target of testing every care home resident and staff member for coronavirus.

More than 12,000 residents and around 17,000 staff members had already been tested.