We understand visitors may well have queries regarding potential changes in care homes as a result of the Prime Minister’s announcement on 21st February regarding the end to most COVID related laws. You will of course want to know what the impact is on your loved ones, and on your visits to them. We should preface this by saying that no government guidance has yet been published relating to care homes, but we have been informed we will receive updated guidance before 1st April 2022. The critical information is set out below:
Isolation if you test positive:
- There will be no legal compulsion to self isolate after Thursday 24th February, however care home staff and residents will still have to isolate for the current guidance period, only leaving isolation after 2 negative tests completed on days 5 and 6 post positive test.
- We will also require visitors who have tested positive to follow the same guidance. Visitors who have tested positive within 90 days are still required to complete an LFD test on the day of their visit either at home or on site
Access to testing
- From 1st April 2022, generalised free access to LFD tests will end. The indications we have at the moment at that for now, testing for all staff, residents and visitors will continue as we are.
- We are aware that there has not been confirmation that tests for care home visitors will remain free after the 1st April. We will be pressing our trade association Care England to request that all tests for care home visitors do remain free to access. We will keep you updated.
Management of visiting
- No guidance has been published yet in regard to any changes or further relaxation to visiting. We will update you when this happens.
You can find out more about the governments plan by visiting:
We hope you find this information helpful.
The Stow Healthcare Team
