Health Secretary Matt Hancock has told care home operators that all current care home residents with coronavirus symptoms are to be tested along with all new care home residents who are discharged from hospital into care as fears mount that the sector faces a flood of new infections.

“I am deeply conscious that people in residential care are among the most vulnerable to coronavirus. We are doing everything we can to keep workers, residents and their families safe,” said Hancock

He added that testing of the social care workforce had already begun and that the government “will roll this out nationwide over the coming days”.

The news drew a cautious welcome from social care leaders.

“During this dreadful pandemic it is hard to find things to be positive about, but today’s announcement from DHSC that testing will be available for all social care staff and residents that need it is indeed welcome,” said Professor Martin Green of Care England. “Care homes will be in a much better position to face this virus head on once they have been able to test both their staff, residents and new residents who have been discharged from hospital into their care homes”.