CARE homes run by the council across West Berkshire will now be shut to all but “essential visitors”, in a bid to protect the elderly from coronavirus.

The decision was made by West Berkshire Council today, March 19, to take effect imminently.

A spokesman said the closure is to keep “these very vulnerable people as safe as possible”.

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Councillor Graham Bridgman (Con, Burghfield & Mortimer), lead for adult social care, said: “The risks of remaining open to visitors are straightforward — the more visitors there are, the greater the risk of bringing infection into the home.

“While we appreciate that residents will miss face-to-face contact with family members, we are sure that relatives and communities will support us in this decision, in order to help us to keep their loved ones as safe as possible.”

Extra help with technology will be provided so that those living in care homes can stay in contact with their family and friends digitally.

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Cllr Bridgman said: “So that residents can nevertheless keep in contact with their family and friends, we are ensuring they have access to the internet, tablets and phones, and we will be working to support contact through technological means.”

The council will review the closure of all care homes in the district as the situation develops.