CAUTIOUS WELCOME TO OPENING AGAIN

HERE is what the biggest care providers are saying about visits from March 8.

● Barchester Healthcare: 10,000 residents in 200 homes We await guidance on how we can safely open up to visitors while also protecting residents. We are campaigning for visitors to be prioritised for jabs. Visiting from March 8 will be in a phased and careful approach.

● HC-One: 14,000 residents in 328 homes

With vaccination, lateral flow testing, protective equipment and our infection controls, we look forward to welcoming families from March 8.

● MHA: 4,400 residents in 90 care homes

We have yet to see how the system will work in practice, but we expect the testing of visitors and the offer of a jab.

● Four Seasons Health Care: 8,000 in 180 homes All homes in England will allow indoor face-to-face visits from March 8 unless there has been an outbreak within 28 days.

● Care UK: 6,000 residents in 125 homes

Very keen to host face-to-face visits again if local public health teams give their approval.

● Bupa: 7,000 in 124 homes and nine Richmond Villages We know the importance of family connection and will adjust our visiting arrangements in line with the new guidance.

● Runwood: 4,000 residents, 74 homes and day centres

We can confirm face-to-face visits will be resuming in line with expected guidance. We have already commenced the planning phase to ensure our staff and residents remain safe. We welcome this news.