Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, when he plans to allow family visits to residential care homes in England as covid-19 lockdown restrictions are eased.

We are aware that limiting visits in care homes is difficult for many families and residents who want to see their loved ones. All our guidance is designed with care users in mind, to ensure that individuals are treated with dignity and respect and that their particular needs are addressed.

While we have recommended that care homes limit visits, we are clear that some visits, such as visits at the end of life, are important both for the individual and their loved ones and should continue with appropriate infection control precautions.

We are reviewing our policy on visitors and are looking to update our guidance shortly.