Devon’s care home providers say measures to control the spread of coronavirus will remain in place in care homes beyond Monday, July 19, dubbed Freedom Day by many.

It follows the announcement this week by the Prime Minister of his intention to end current restrictions, including the requirement to wear face coverings and to socially distance.

Care home providers say their residents are extremely vulnerable. Visits from family and friends are important but it is vital that they protect residents from COVID-19 and other infectious illnesses that are currently circulating in the community.

They say that care homes will continue following public health measures at a local level, to protect the health of their residents and staff.

Those measures are likely to include the requirement for visitors to wear face coverings unless exempt, to socially distance, to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) if needed, to follow hand hygiene guidance, and to check-in for NHS Test and Trace purposes.