Health restrictions have been eased for care homes after a drop in coronavirus infections, the Ministry of Health said.

Essential visitors will be allowed indoors with residents and outdoor visits for non-essential visitors will be permitted under Phase 2 of the staged return to normality for care homes.

Kim Wilson, the health minister, said the rules were designed to balance the safety of care home residents and their quality of life.

She added: “I encourage family and friends to keep in touch with their loved ones in care homes by phone or video chat, or other available technology.”

Screening for visitors includes questions on exposure to people who have travelled or are in quarantine.

Two designated visitors are permitted for each resident, with one visitor at a time unless from the same household.

Off-site visits and activities should not happen unless essential to health.

Physical distancing and appropriate personal protection equipment must be worn.

Daycare programmes are not permitted during Phase 2.

Care packages are allowed for residents, but no one should prepare or send packages if they have Covid-19 symptoms.

Full details can be found online here.