Revised visiting guidance comes into effect today

The Department of Health has published revised guidance on visiting care settings which comes into effect from Friday 15 January.

In response to the levels of Covid-19 transmissions across the country, the four UK Chief Medical Officers recommended that we now move into Alert level 5. 

This impacts on the implementation of the visiting guidance in all care settings across Northern Ireland.

No face to face visiting to general medical wards will be permitted – however following a risk assessment, and ensuring a COVID-secure (* see definition) environment, end of life visiting only may be considered.

However visiting to hospices and care homes are still allowed. 

The guidance will be kept under constant review and revised as appropriate.

*COVID-19 Secure: To maintain

• a social distance of 2 metres when possible
• Optimal hand hygiene and personal hygiene measures
• Good ventilation
• Use of PPE when required
• Face Coverings

Notes to editors: 

1. The guidance is available on the Department’s website.
2. For media enquiries please contact the DoH Press Office by email pressoffice@health-ni.gov.uk.
3. Follow us on twitter @healthdpt.
4. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

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