ELDERLY grandparents cooped up inside care homes will finally be freed to go for a walk or visit their family in the garden as ministers rip up strict isolation rules today.
Boris Johnson hailed the relaxing of rules which means residents will be able to leave their homes for low-risk visits, without having to isolate on their return.
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Currently anyone leaving a care home has to isolate for two whole weeks when they return to protect other residents.
The strict rules mean day-trips – even just for a walk outside – are all-but-banned.
But health bosses will tear up that red tape for low-risk visits like walks in parks or beaches, or outdoor meetings in gardens, which will bring joy to millions of families who have barely seen relatives for a year.
And they will be able to vote in this Thursday’s upcoming local elections, as long as they stick to the other Covid rules.
They will be allowed out with their care workers or named visitors to keep visitors safe, and can nip into the loo while they’re out.
But they should avoid public transport where possible and still won’t be allowed to meet up with others in groups due to their higher-risk status.
The PM said last night: “We know how challenging this time has been for care home residents, so I am pleased that they can now leave their homes to reunite with their loved ones outdoors.
“With the data continuing to head in the right direction and as restrictions ease, it is my priority to keep increasing visits for residents in the coming weeks in a safe and controlled way.”
95% of care home residents have received their first dose of the vaccine and 71% have received their second.
