Scarborough care group boss hails special day as residents reunite with families

But as they opened their doors to one visitor per resident this morning, those providers were also quick to urge caution because Covid-19 remains a risk.

Provider organisation The Independent Care Group (ICG) said today was a historic day as one designated visitor, tested and wearing personal protective equipment was allowed in to see their relative.

ICG Chairman Mike Padgham said: “Today is a special day.

"Residents and relatives have been apart for too long and it has been very damaging for both sides not to have vital human contact.

“It is lovely to see them reunited and to know that more and more people are going to see their loved ones properly for the first time in weeks and months.

“But we must also be cautious and careful as we reintroduce visiting.

"We have worked closely with North Yorkshire County Council in preparing for the visits and we are all following their guidance.

“The message to get across is one of taking extra care, adhering to the rules – visitor testing, full PPE, hand holding only – and keeping everyone as safe as possible.

“We also respect those homes who have decided not to reintroduce visiting – for whatever reason. It has to be an individual choice, based on circumstances.

“Covid-19 hasn’t gone away and we are caring for the most vulnerable and most susceptible to it.

"Care and nursing homes have lost more than 30,000 people in the past year, each of them a treasured loved one – a wife, a husband, a mother or father, brother, sister, aunt, uncle or friend.”

A message from the editor

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the highest standards in the world.

The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers and consequently the advertising that we receive.

We are now more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you,

Jean MacQuarrie, Editor-in-Chief