Written question asked by Barry Sheerman (Labour) on Wednesday, 30 March 2022, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 19 April 2022. It was answered by Gillian Keegan (Conservative) on Tuesday, 19 April 2022 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Care Homes: Coronavirus

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the impact ending access to widespread free covid-19 testing will have on families with relatives in care-homes.

Answer: Since 4 April 2022, while visitors are no longer asked to test before entering a care home, they are encouraged to take necessary precautions to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. This includes staying away from the care home if they are symptomatic or have tested positive for COVID-19. However, free asymptomatic testing is available for visitors providing personal care to test up to twice weekly, if visiting more than twice. We will continue to keep care home testing arrangements and its impact on care home staff, residents and visitors under review.

Secondary information