Care home residents are set to be reunited with friends and family as visits begin again following the publication of new guidance on 22 July.These arrangements will be based on the advice set out in new guidance to limit any further outbreaks and protect staff and residents.

Local directors of public health will lead assessments on visiting within their local authority. They will be expected to take a measured, risk-assessed approach, considering the situation in specific care homes as well as the community context, including any local outbreaks.

• Care home residents will start to be reunited with their friends and family, where safe
• Local directors of public health will, with their authorities, lead the decision-making process for care home visits
• Thorough risk assessments will take place based on specific care homes and the community context
• Appropriate safety precautions will be required, including face coverings, and social distancing measures