Care homes in Gwynedd will not return to the pre-covid “open house” approach, despite Welsh Government easing restrictions on visiting.

Care Forum Wales chief executive Mary Wimbury sounded the note of caution saying all visits still need to be risk assessed before they are allowed go ahead.

Ms Wimbury said: “It’s clear in the guidance that care homes do have to risk assess visiting, taking into account the lack of insurance cover but also the setting in terms of the lay-out in different care homes.

“We are certainly not back to the pre-pandemic situation where you could have an open house and visitors coming in when they chose.

“Visitors will have to book in and be tested and care home staff are going to have to make sure they understand the rules. It isn’t as straightforward as some people think.

“Having said that, we’re all really pleased we’re moving to something that’s a bit more like things were before the pandemic.

“We’ve got to listen to scientists in terms of what they are saying and we’re delighted we seem to be moving in the right direction.

“At the same time we also recognise the potential danger posed by the Indian variant as well as the potential for a third wave of the virus.

“We all want to see more friends and relatives connecting with care home residents but we also want to keep people safe.”

She added: “Care home staff have done an incredible job over doing everything they can to keep spirits up, providing support and entertainment previously provided by visitors.

“We would like to thank them for their efforts in keeping people’s mental health in the best place possible.

“Trips out are now also allowed in the current guidance but obviously that also has to risk assessed, taking into account what they are doing when they’re out and that people understand the need to maintain social distance.

“That is happening already but it’s not as easy as it was pre-pandemic.”