Care home visits will be allowed in Scotland from next month

Visitors can begin to return to care homes under a phased plan announced by the Scottish Government.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said restricting visitors during the pandemic was a decision “not taken lightly” but “significant progress has been made”.

And in a significant move today, Freeman said outside visits can begin from July 3.

The first phase allows outdoor meetings with a single nominated visitor. Face coverings must be worn during the visit.

Jeane Freeman announced visits can begin in care homes. (PA)

Rules continue to relax until a fourth phase which allows controlled indoor visits and wider use of communal areas by residents, with all appropriate health measures followed.

Freeman, at today’s coronavirus briefing, said: “I fully appreciate that the necessary restrictions placed on care homes have been challenging for the people living in care homes, their loved ones, and the staff.

“Care homes are first and foremost people’s homes, and it is now important that we find safe ways for residents to reconnect with their families and friends.

“Significant progress is being made and we are continuing to see improvements with fewer care homes currently having an infection. On that basis, we can now see a phased return to visiting in care homes when and where it is clinically safe to do so.”

Freeman said it’s “crucial” to proceed with caution, adding: “Only outside visiting with a named key visitor using appropriate physical distancing and safety measures can be permitted from 3 July. When the scientific advice states that it is safe to do so, we can then gradually open up further visiting options.

“I recognise how long people have been waiting to see their friends and families and I hope to be able to offer further updates in the coming weeks in order to reconnect even more loved ones.”

Care homes have been the focus of tragic outbreaks, leading to serious criticism over government policy.

Scottish Labour health spokeswoman Monica Lennon welcomed the move.

“Good news for care home residents who have been separated from loved ones for months,” she responded on social media.