Relatives of residents in North Yorkshire care homes could visit face-to-face within weeks
The care minister has suggested restrictions could lift as lockdown is eased
Face-to-face visits in care homes could resume within weeks as England's lockdown is eased, a minister has suggested.
Care minister Helen Whately has said she wants to see a return to more "normal" visits as lockdown restrictions are relaxed.
People would not have to wait for their relatives to receive their second vaccine dose before seeing them, she suggested.
She told Sky news:
"I really, really want to open up visiting in care homes more. To be clear, we have made sure that visiting can continue even during this national lockdown," Ms Whately told Sky News.
"But I recognise it's not the normal kind of visiting, it's having to use screens or visiting pods or through windows if care homes don't have those facilities."
She added: "What I want to do as we come out of the national lockdown is also increase the amount of visiting.
North Yorkshire welcomes the news
Mike Padgham, Chair of the North Yorkshire Independent Care Group has told us this is great news for the sector but thinks the government should remain cautious.
He wants more clarity from the care minister:
"On one hand I'm pleased that she's said that because I think people have been very patient wanting to see their loved ones.
"It's been a long year and a bit start, stop like the lockdown.
"But, I'd like a bit more clarity from her on what it means and when we can start."
He also added any decision that's made - has to be a safe one:
"You've got to be cautious.
"The people in care homes are the most vulnerable group.
"They haven't had their second dose yet, although the minister says she doesn't think it's needed, so I need clarity on that.
"But, I - like relatives - want visiting to start asap but safely."