Rules on care home and hospital visits eased in Northern Ireland from Friday
Changes to hospital and care home visiting in Northern Ireland will take effect from this Friday, the Department of Health has announced.
Health Minister Robin Swann said visiting had only been restricted because it was "absolutely necessary".The first phase of changes will involve care home visits being increased from one to two a week, each lasting for one hour.Children will also be permitted to visit and hand-holding will be allowed, although aprons and masks will still have to be worn according to the guidance.
"The importance of having frequent, personal contact with family and the impact this has on the health and wellbeing of older people is well documented," he said. "However, I believe this pathway offers a balanced and measured approach where visitation rights are being increased at a pace proportionate to the level of risk."