Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Baroness Keeley (Labour) on Friday, 30 October 2020, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 4 November 2020 (named day). A holding answer was provided on Wednesday, 4 November 2020. A substantive answer was provided by Helen Whately (Conservative) on Friday, 12 March 2021 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Care Homes: Coronavirus

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to his contribution of 19 October 2020, Official report, column 790, what discussions he has had with directors of public health in Tier (a) 2 and (a) 3 covid-19 restriction areas on ensuring that visits to care homes are allowed during periods of increased covid-19 restrictions.

Answer

New visiting arrangements started on 8 March. Every care home should ensure that each resident can nominate one named person who can have regular, indoor visits. Visiting arrangements that have been available throughout the period of national lockdown should continue i.e. using substantial screens, visiting pods, behind windows or outdoors. Visits in exceptional circumstances including end of life should always be supported and enabled.

At Step 2 of the roadmap, we will assess the data and take a decision on opening up further opportunities for visiting - setting out a plan for the next phase of visits for people in residential care.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
109249
Session
2019-21
Related items
Covid-19 Update
Monday, 19 October 2020
Proceeding contributions
House of Commons
Subjects
Care homes Disease control Visits Coronavirus
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk