Care providers have warned that easing lockdown restrictions could spark a rise in Covid-19 infections in care and nursing homes.

Today’s figures from the Office for National Statistic show that 151 people died from Covid-19 in care and nursing homes in the week up to 19th March, down from 249 the previous week. According to these figures, 31,685 people died from Covid-19 in care and nursing homes between 28th December 2019 and 19th March 2021.

Independent Care Group (ICG) Chair Mike Padgham (pictured) said the numbers were good news but urged caution and said the situation was “critical”.

“We must echo the Prime Minister’s ‘proceed with caution’ message as restrictions are eased, people begin to mix more freely and more risks are taken,” heas

“The coming days will be critical, with good weather encouraging people to be out and about there is a real risk that infection rates will rise again and that is a real concern for care settings.

“We saw last time restrictions eased that care and nursing homes suffered. We must be extremely cautious to prevent that happening again. We must keep encouraging staff to be vaccinated, particularly as visiting gathers pace.

“The pandemic hasn’t gone away and is still claiming the lives of loved ones we must take care.”