The Prime Minister has announced he will unveil a rescue package of £546 million to protect care homes from the threat of Covid-19 during the winter.
The funds will be used to ensure staff are limited to working in one home and compensated for any reduced hours, Boris Johnson told The Sun.
Care home workers will also be given financial support to ensure they have sufficient personal protective equipment and are able to minimise their use of public transport.
Mr Johnson told the paper: “Be in no doubt we’re going to do absolutely all we can to stop the spread in care homes.
“And I’m afraid it’s an incredibly difficult thing, but we are going to have to place some restrictions on people, visitors being able to go into care homes.”
His words came as stricter rules are predicted for the North East of England, where cases are on the rise.
An announcement is expected on Thursday on new measures which are expected to come into effect from midnight for the region, with the Chronicle Live website reporting care home visits will be restricted to essential visitors.
Mr Johnson admitted in the Commons on Wednesday the Government was “concerned about the rates of infection in care homes” and promised a new action plan.
It followed Labour’s call on Monday for a “clear winter plan” to protect care homes amid signs they are experiencing a rise in coronavirus cases.
