Laura Sharman 04 May 2021

Government scraps self-isolation rule to allow care home residents to visit polling stations

Government scraps self-isolation rule to allow care home residents to visit polling stations image

Care home residents will be allowed to vote in person in this week's local elections without having to self-isolate afterwards for 14 days, due to changes in Government guidance.

Care groups had previously called the situation a 'national scandal' that could stop half a million people from voting in person.

However, the updated guidance means that residents will be allowed to leave their care home for 'low-risk' visits such as taking a walk or to visit a family or friend's garden.

Residents will need to be accompanied by a member of care home staff or one of their nominated visitors, and visits will need to take place solely indoors. However, an exemption has been put in place to allow residents to visit polling stations on Thursday.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: 'We know how challenging this time has been for care home residents, so I am pleased that they can now leave their homes to reunite with their loved ones outdoors.

'With the data continuing to head in the right direction, and as restrictions ease, it is my priority to keep increasing visits for residents in the coming weeks in a safe and controlled way.'

Chief executive of the Social Care Institute for Excellence, Kathryn Smith, commented: 'Before the pandemic, choice and control was always recognised as key for all people who draw on care and support services, including in care homes; and this should still be what we aim to achieve. So these low-risk visits, where a follow-up quarantine is now not needed, are a welcome first step.'

The £37,000 SEND Problem image

The £37,000 SEND Problem

Natalie Kenneison, COO at Imosphere, argues that the real SEND funding crisis isn’t just about budgets - it’s about the systems behind the decisions.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Director of Law & Governance

South Kesteven District Council
c. £110k inc.
Effective decision-making in local government leads to better outcomes for communities. Lincolnshire
Recuriter: South Kesteven District Council

Regeneration Manager

West Northamptonshire Council
£65,098 - £71,353
The Major Projects and Regeneration Team, part of our Place, Economy and Environment directorate, is at the heart of delivering this vision. Working with government, private sector partners and our local communities, we are driving forward projects funded One Angel Square 4 Angel Street Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Director of Streetscene

Fareham Borough Council
£92,027 - £105,394 (Director Grade) Pay award pending
We continue to have big ambitions for our borough Fareham, Hampshire
Recuriter: Fareham Borough Council

Shared Lives Social Worker

Oxfordshire County Council
£37,035 - £43,693
About the Role Your role will be working with Shared Lives Carers and people who use the service to ensure that there is a good outcome for everyone. Assessing people for their suitability to become carers, presenting assessment reports to the Shared Live Abingdon with some agile working/working from home
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Lawyer Employment

Durham County Council
£45,718 to £49,764 p.a. (Grade 13) pay award pending
An opportunity for an Employment Lawyer has become available to work at Durham County Council as part of the Legal and Democratic Services Team. Durh Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner