Statement from the Minister for Health and Social Services

27 January 2021

The Minister for Health and Social Services, Deputy Richard Renouf said:

“I am pleased to confirm that policy is currently in development to reopen care homes to visitors.

We are liaising with the Care Commission and Care Home Managers as a priority to enable this reopening to occur as soon as possible.

Policy officers are working on guidance to ensure residents, staff and visitors remain as safe as possible from any risk of COVID-19 transmission.

I am pleased to confirm that vaccination levels amongst care home residents has been high, offering a greater level of protection for these vulnerable residents. With the addition of the mitigation measures being finalised within the policy, we can enable visits to start again as soon as possible.

I’d like to thank Deputy Montfort Tadier for his interest and commitment to ensure that this policy is at the forefront of our work to reconnect the Island.

Further announcements regarding when visits can safely resume should be expected before the end of the week or Monday.”