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<p>We understand how vital it is to allow care home residents to meet their loved
ones safely. We appreciate the particular challenges visiting restrictions pose for
people with dementia, people with learning disabilities and autistic adults, amongst
others, as well as for their friends and family.</p><p> </p><p>On 16 November, we
began a trial of testing visitors to care homes. The aim is to support care home providers
and families to work together to find the right balance between the benefits of visiting
on wellbeing and quality of life, and the risk of transmission of COVID-19 to social
care staff and vulnerable residents. This trial is currently taking place in around
21 care homes across three local authorities - Devon, Cornwall and Hampshire - with
a view to rolling out nationally in December.</p><p> </p><p>Visitors will still be
expected to follow infection prevention and control procedures. Holding hands and
hugs can be allowed with a negative test and personal protective equipment, but visitors
should minimise contact as much as possible to reduce the risk of transmission.</p>
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