No regular tests for OAP villages

UP to 730,000 retirement village residents are not getting routine coronavirus tests.

Health minister Helen Whately said although care homes are covered, the elderly in sheltered housing are not.

She said: “Retirement villages and other housing-with-care facilities are not currently in scope to be tested.”

They will only be included if health officials identify particular risks.

Age UK blamed the Government not having enough tests to go around.

The charity’s Caroline Abrahams said: “Having your own front door is protection against the virus but it is not a guarantee. People in these places are often as vulnerable as counterparts in care homes.”

At present, care home residents are meant to be tested every 28 days – and staff weekly.