Thousands of Covid-19 tests kits were delivered to Renfrewshire care homes yesterday.
The lateral flow testing devices provide results within 45 minutes and will allow homes to test visitors for Covid-19 before allowing them entry to the premises.
The tests will be used by care homes to help keep the virus at bay over the Christmas period.
Seen as an extra security measure, the tests will be used in addition to existing policies such as asking all visitors to wear PPE and keep two-metres apart from staff and their loved ones.
Under Level 3 restrictions, care home residents will still be allowed only one indoor visitor over Christmas and no hugging or hand holding is permitted.
Larger groups of up to six people, from no more than two households, can also continue to have outdoor visits with residents if the weather allows.
A spokesman for Renfrewshire HSCP said: “We will be enabling visiting for residents in our care homes wherever possible, in line with national guidance - and understand how important this contact is for residents and families.
“All Scottish care homes will receive lateral flow testing kits from the Scottish Government for use from Monday.
“In anticipation, NHS Scotland have been training staff on how to administer tests and each care home is working to make the process clear and accessible for family members and designated visitors over the coming weeks.”
He added: “We recognise it has been extremely challenging for everyone since March, but hope this development, alongside the ongoing vaccine rollout, will provide some optimism for care home residents and families over the coming months.”
Visiting arrangements will be different for each home but it is anticipated that testing will take place in a designated area in the care home.
Visitors will self-swab and the test will be conducted by care home staff.
