New rules on self-isolation a relief for residents and their families

New residents arriving in care homes from their own home will no longer face a 14-day self-isolation period provided they have had both jabs.

Kingsley Healthcare operations director Debbie McGovern said: “This new government advice is a critical landmark in the easing of lockdown.

“The mandatory 14 days isolation has caused huge heartache for residents and their families, despite the best efforts of staff, and deterred people from coming into care homes. We are overjoyed this day has finally come.”

Residents being admitted to care homes from hospital or another care facility will still face 14 days self-isolation to mitigate the Covid risk; however, in an important change, essential care givers will be allowed to visit them from day one.