Covid Plan B: ‘Likely’ care homes will have three-visitor limit amid Omicron

Rising cases of the variant have already prompted new restrictions including the use of masks in more places, a return to working from home on Monday and mandatory Covid passports for large venues from Wednesday.

The Government's Plan B measures are hoped to limit the impact of the new variant ahead of Christmas.

There were a total of 817 confirmed cases of the Omicron variant in the UK as of Thursday, the UK Health Security Agency said.

But the true number of Omicron cases is estimated to be “probably closer to 10,000”, according to health secretary Sajid Javid.

'Very likely’ care homes will be set three-visitor limit

The Daily Telegraph has cited an anonymous Government source as saying it is “very likely” visitors in social care settings will be limited to three and this would only be changed “when there is a clear change of circumstances for one of them”.

• Read more: Plan B mask wearing rules: Where you'll have to wear a mask and when it's required

COVID-19 remains a serious health risk.

Help reduce the spread of the virus and keep yourself and others safe by:

✅ letting fresh air in if you meet people indoors
✅ wearing a face covering in enclosed public spaces
✅ getting vaccinated
✅ washing your hands regularly

— Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) December 8, 2021

Any change to the number of visitors would mark a significant shift after the Government last month said there were “no nationally set restrictions” on visits into care homes in England, amid concerns residents’ rights were being curtailed.

The Government source who spoke to the Telegraph said the idea of limiting visitors was “still awaiting ministerial clearance” and “could still be vetoed by Number 10”.

The Department of Health and Social Care has been contacted for comment.

There have been concerns throughout the pandemic about the management of restrictions in care homes.

In November, the Relatives & Residents Association said there had been a “huge disparity” in how measures have been eased for care homes and the wider public, as well as differences in how individual homes have interpreted guidance up until now.