Lib Dems: Self-isolation in care homes must change

Self-isolation rules in care homes should be changed to prevent whole facilities stopping non-essential visiting if one resident tests positive for coronavirus, the Scottish Liberal Democrats have said.

Party leader Alex Colehamilton said he has heard from a care home manager who warned many homes have gone into an “informal lockdown” after a single positive result.

He said different infection control measures are needed in light of the Omicron variant and the impact of social isolation is affecting care home residents.

A Holyrood spokesman said: “The Scottish Government fully expects care homes and local health protection teams to support people living in care homes to have visits from loved ones unless there are truly exceptional circumstances.”

Alex Cole-hamilton.