Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether visitors to residents in care homes will continue have access to free covid-19 lateral flow tests.

Most visitors to care homes will no longer need to test before entering a care setting. Visitors are asked to take necessary precautions to keep themselves and their loved ones safe, in line with general population guidance. There are a small number of residents who need support with personal care from a visitor with whom they have a close relationship. These visitors may be asked to test before entering, up to twice weekly if visiting more than twice, with free lateral flow device tests available for these visitors.