Visitors to care homes will be able to see their loved ones indoors from Saturday, 29 August.

The news has been given a “cautious” welcome by Mary Wimbury, chief executive of Care Forum Wales.

But she has stressed the need for visits to be properly “risk assessed” so that they are done safely in a way that did not place residents, families or staff at risk.

Announcing the decision to allow indoor care home visits again, First Minister Mark Drakeford said there would be “strict” rules for the visits which would be set out in guidance and that the public shouldn’t move away from the cautious approach taken so far.

Ms Wimbury said: “Care Forum Wales was ahead of the curve back in March when we called for care homes to be locked down so we could shield social care and save lives which in the event proved to be a wise decision.

“As the situation has improved, many care homes have facilitated socially distanced visits in outside areas to reunite residents and their families and there have been some deeply touching moments across Wales.

“However, we recognise that meeting outside is not always practical, particularly when the weather is not good.

“Enabling indoor visits can be important for the mental health and wellbeing of residents and their loved ones but it vitally important this is done safely.

“We cautiously welcome this opportunity to provide additional support to care home residents through risk-assessed indoor visits by professionals, family and friends.

“We are pleased we are being consulted by the Welsh Government on the guidance around when such visits might be permissible and appropriate.”

Mr Drakeford added: "While coronavirus remains effectively suppressed in Wales and cases continue to fall, the situation in the rest of the UK and further afield is still problematic.

"We cannot think that we are immune from everything elsewhere. So while things remain benign in Wales, I want us to go on being careful, being cautious, doing things one step at a time, so that we can try and sustain our positive position for as long as we can.”