CARE HOMES have been ordered by councils to go into immediate lockdown as fears rise over the spread of coronavirus infections which is currently accelerating throughout the country.
The move comes just weeks after families were allowed back into care homes to see their loved ones. The care home sector, which struggled under the strain at the height of the coronavirus pandemic, is in chaos over the latest guidance. Letters have been seen by ITV News from councils in Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland and a number of others that state family visits must now be cancelled.
Last night, Newcastle was one of a number of councils telling care homes they should close their doors as a precaution.
The council wrote in a letter: “Due to the increase in infection rates we are now asking that homes temporarily suspend non-essential visits to support infection prevention and control”.
Gateshead Council said in its letter: “We’re afraid that we must advise that the local situation has changed, and in the past week our case rate has climbed from 6.4/100k to over 30/100k, so we now ask that you suspend visiting to protect residents.”
In July, the Government announced it was allowing visits to loved ones in care homes.
Read more: Care homes ordered to go into immediate lockdown after spike in coronavirus cases
