More Visits To Be Allowed To Care Homes

Thursday, 11 March 2021 at 08:00

Fully vaccinated care home residents can have two named people visit them as many times as they like from tomorrow (Friday 12 March).

They had been restricted to twice a week.

Residents who are not fully vaccinated can have one named visitor with no limit on how often they visit.

All visitors still have to prove they've tested negative for Covid-19 at least once a month. Those visiting a resident who isn't fully vaccinated has to show a negative PCR test no more than 72 hours before arriving.

Trips out of the care home will be encouraged, but if a resident hasn't had both vaccine doses, it's recommended they only go out with just named visitors or people those visitors live with.

Advice for those who choose to go out include staying two metres apart from other islanders, wearing masks, using hand sanitiser, and not using public transport.

"I’m really pleased that we can begin to relax the guidance on care home visiting since the vaccination programme is making such good progress. As we enter the Spring months, residents can begin to enjoy leaving their home for activities which will greatly benefit their health and wellbeing.

"The safety of our most vulnerable remains our highest priority and so we must remain cautious when easing measures. The guidance for care homes works alongside the individual policies within each care home where visiting times, visitor numbers and any compassionate measures can be agreed with care home managers.

"I take this opportunity to remind all Islanders, that you should be staying 2 metres away from anyone you don’t live with, as our vulnerable Islanders start to enjoy community settings again, this is even more important and should continue to be respected where possible." - Deputy Richard Renouf, Health Minister.

As of the end of February, 84% of care home residents had been fully vaccinated. 95% have received one dose.