COUNCILS are working together with health partners across Dorset to implement new measures so families can start visiting relatives in care homes before Christmas.
A Dorset Council spokesman said: "Dorset care homes have been adhering to strict infection control measures throughout the pandemic and as a result of this we have not seen the numbers of Covid-19 cases in care homes that other areas of the country have experienced. This is testament to the hard work that has gone on across the system to keep residents and staff safe.
"Any new guidance takes time to implement in a safe and responsible way and unlike pilot areas in neighbouring counties, care homes across the BCP and Dorset areas are only just starting to receive the Lateral Flow Testing equipment. The roll-out of equipment and training will continue over coming weeks and we will work with care homes to keep families updated.
" It will be a little while before things can go back to ‘normal’, so please support the care sector while they work through the next stages of making sure that families and loved ones can be reunited in a safe and responsible way."
Every care provider has their own infection control polices, risk assessments and measures in place and anyone wishing to visit a loved one, where this is possible, should contact the home to make necessary arrangements.
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