Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans he has to allow up to six visitors to a care home resident at any one time if that visit is outdoors as restrictions are eased during the covid-19 outbreak.

We published updated guidance on visiting in care homes on 22 April, which states every care home should ensure that each resident can nominate up to two named people who can have regular, indoor visits. Those residents with higher care needs can also nominate an ‘essential care giver’ who will have the same testing and personal protective equipment arrangements as care home staff so that they can also provide extra support, such as help with washing and dressing or eating well. We want to go further and allow more visitors, where the data tells us it is safe to do so.