Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the effect of inconsistent lateral flow tests on the adequacy of testing undertaken to facilitate visits in care homes.

Extensive testing has shown that lateral flow devices are suitable for use in care homes. They can identify individuals who are the most likely to spread the virus further and prevent transmission of the disease from staff and visitors. The rapidity of the result from lateral flow devices allows for more frequent testing of staff and visitors, increasing the chances of an infectious positive case being picked up.

Testing is only one part of the protect and contain strategies. It is critical that visitors wear personal protective equipment and follow all infection control methods to keep their loved ones, other residents and staff safe. We want to bring an end to the pain of separation and help care homes bring families and loved ones together. The launch of visitor testing is a crucial step to making that happen.