Residents at care homes across Preston and Lancashire can now be visited by up to five named people from today (Monday 17 May).

This includes care homes run by the county council.

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The restrictions on visitor numbers are being relaxed as part of the next steps in the National Coronavirus Roadmap.

Read more: Pupils and staff in Preston and Lancashire schools advised to continue wearing face coverings

The change applies to care homes or any other care settings.

There is a daily limit of two visitors for each resident, however, this does not apply to young children or to anyone who is classed as an ‘Essential Care Giver’ under the government’s scheme.

The number of days that visits must be stopped following outbreaks has also changed. Visits will be paused for 14 days rather than 28 days.

These changes follow other relaxations that were brought in earlier this month, setting out that residents can now go outside to places such as parks, gardens, other day centres or education services without having to self-isolate on their return.

People still have to follow robust safety guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus, such as wearing PPE, having a negative Covid-19 test result and booking visits beforehand.

Read more: Those aged 38 and 39 in Preston and Lancashire to receive text for first Covid vaccine 

County Councillor Graham Gooch, acting cabinet member for adult services, said: “This is very welcome news for residents in care homes across Lancashire and their families.

“This pandemic has been extremely hard for them as friends and family typically have been unable to see each other for such a long time.

“The fact that more people can now visit will mean so much as people have the chance to catch-up, share memories and hold hands with friends and family for the first time in months.

“We still have to be mindful of the need to prevent the spread of the virus. People must follow guidelines such as wearing PPE, booking their visit with their care provider beforehand and ensuring they have tested negative for Covid-19 before their visit.

“However, this is another important step towards normality for so many people across our county.”

Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines

Do the new care home visiting rules make a difference to you? Will you be able to visit a loved one you haven’t seen in a while? Let us know in the comments below.