CHESHIRE East Council has welcomed new care homes rules which will see residents able to hold hands with their loved ones indoors.

The Department for Health and Social Care brought in rules yesterday, Monday, which means every care home resident will have the opportunity to name one individual — who will be able to visit on multiple occasions — as a designated visitor.

But the designated visitor cannot change, and they will be required to follow all infection prevention and control measures, including having a lateral flow test beforehand, wearing PPE during the visit, and avoiding extremely close contact like hugging and kissing.

Commenting on the new care home visiting rules, Cheshire East Council said it is working to help support care homes implementing these changes, but added it may take time for some to implement the measures needed.

Cllr Laura Jeuda, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for adult social care and health, explained: "Care homes will only be able to welcome a certain number of visitors every day.

"This is simply because visitors need to socially distance and to allow staff to help them take their lateral flow tests.

"You will need to make an appointment to visit and it may be a short while until the care home can offer an appointment to everyone who would like one.

"We are asking care homes to make sure they keep families and friends informed about visiting arrangements, so they know what to expect.

"We will continue to support care homes implementing these new indoor visitor changes, as well as monitoring the impact of the new rules."

Outdoor visits, as well as those inside pods or behind screens, will also be able to continue, potentially giving residents the chance to see more than just their nominated visitor.

Vaccination is not required for a visit but a test will need to be completed on arrival at the care home, as home testing is not allowed under the rules.

Visits will also be suspended if Covid-19 outbreaks arise in individual homes.