Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department's guidance in respect of care homes and the covid-19 outbreak states that care home residents can still access care inside the care home in the event that that person is undergoing a period of self-isolation after an overnight visit.

Care home residents should continue to receive the personalised care and support they need throughout the pandemic, even during periods of isolation. We have set out guidance on how to provide care to residents who are COVID-19 positive or isolating which is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-how-to-work-safely-in-care-homes

Since 22 April care home residents have been able to access care from an ‘essential care giver’ who may visit to provide essential care, including during periods of isolation. These care givers must comply with the same testing, personal protective equipment and infection control arrangements as care home staff. From 21 June, care home residents no longer need to self-isolate after an overnight stay unless the visit out is an overnight stay in a hospital or has been assessed as high-risk following an individual risk assessment.