Public health directors will start to assess care homes to see if they can re-open for visits from family and friends, under new government guidance.

The risk assessments will consider the situation in specific care homes, as well as considering community context.

care homes and visitors will need to take safety precautions such as wearing face coverings and social distancing measures.

Professor Jim McManus, vice president of the Association of Directors of Public Health, said: 'This new guidance will support directors of public health, working with directors of adult social care and the local care sector, to take a risk-based approach to enabling visits where possible whilst trying to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to – and between – care home residents, staff and the wider community.'

Vic Rayner, executive director of the National Care Forum said: 'The care sector has remained far ahead of government on the reopening of care settings. Care providers have known for a long time the importance of finding ways to start to enable visits again, putting measures in place to keep those being cared for, their loved ones and staff safe.'