Face masks are no longer mandatory in care homes, with providers told to conduct risk assessments to decide on their own mask rules.
The latest updated guidance was introduced on December 15, in time for families to see their loved ones for Christmas. Health leaders say the changes were introduced with the 'darkest days of the pandemic thankfully behind us'.
Previous guidance stated face masks should be worn by all carers and encouraged for visitors, irrespective of whether the person being cared for is known or suspected to have Covid. Known as 'universal masking' to help prevent the spread of infection.
READ MORE 'I thought I was tired from being a busy working mum. The real reason was devastating'
But the new rules will now see care homes given autonomy over when masks should be worn, with individual risk assessments and outbreak measures deployed.
From December 15, providers can make decisions around masks based on factors like the risk to specific individuals, if the setting is in an outbreak or the preferences of the individual receiving care.
And testing guidance has also been streamlined for small care homes to reduce the number of tests staff and residents need to take in the event of an outbreak, in line with the latest public health advice.
Minister of State for Care Helen Whately said: "The darkest days of the pandemic are thankfully behind us. But it doesn’t feel like that for people living in care homes or being cared for at home, when many of the people they see are still behind a mask.
"So much of what we communicate is through our expressions, our faces, and our smiles – especially for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Many rely on lip reading, and face masks don’t make the job any easier for care workers either.
"That’s why we’re making this change. We want care agencies and residential homes to decide what’s best for the people they look after. I hope this means thousands of people who are looked after by care workers will get to see a smile this Christmas."
Read more of today's top stories here
READ NEXT:
- 'I confronted a gang hunting badgers with dogs in Greater Manchester. What happened to me next was horrific'
- Predator who filmed teen girls having sex tries to get out of jail... because they were over 16
- I took the Greater Manchester bus journey quite unlike any other - and it's left me very confused
- 'My dad took his own life at Christmas because his benefits were cut'
- What lies behind Manchester city centre's 10 most unusual doorways hidden in plain sight
