Care home residents are able to have unlimited visits from family and friends from today (Monday 31 January, 2022) after national Covid-19 restrictions were lifted, with people urged to get a test before visiting.

The Government first announced the end to national restrictions on care home visits in November. However, it imposed a limit of 3 named visitors, plus an essential caregiver, when the Omicron variant of coronavirus hit.

The rules have now been relaxed again, though individual homes are still able to set their own visiting policies.

Councillor Linda Leach, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Adult Services, said: "It is of course very good news that visiting restrictions are being lifted, as I know lots of people will be desperate to see their relatives again.

“Visiting is crucial for our care homes. It helps support the health, wellbeing and quality of life of residents, and enables family and friends to maintain relationships with their loved ones and contribute to their support and care.

"However, we must remember that Covid-19 still presents a very real danger, especially to people in care who are some of the most vulnerable members of society, and so we need visitors to make sure they take personal responsibility when they go into places like care homes.

"Case rates in the community remain high and so I am urging people to take a rapid Covid-19 test immediately before visiting a care home to reassure themselves that they don't have the virus, and to wear a face covering and follow the infection prevention guidance that is in place.

“We know that the vaccine works and that it provides much greater protection against serious illness from Covid-19, and so I would also urge people to make sure they have had their jabs as soon as they are able to."

For information about testing, please visit Coronavirus Testing

Walk in vaccination clinics are operating throughout Wolverhampton again this week. Opening times and ages vary from site to site – for details, please visit Find a walk-in coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination site. To book an appointment in advance, please visit Book or manage a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination or call 119.