Today (8/3) marks the first stage of the Government's easing of lockdown, allowing families to visit their loved ones in care homes.
It is approximately one year since some care homes first closed their doors, several weeks ahead of the first lockdown on 23rd March.
Most people in care homes went months without seeing relatives, with residents later having the opportunity to Facetime and see loved ones behind plastic screens.
But from today, much-anticipated indoor care home visits from a nominated friend or relative will be allowed - but hugging and kissing is still off-limits.
Every care home resident will be able to nominate someone to visit them indoors, while residents with the highest care needs can receive more frequent visits from a loved one who will provide essential care and support.
Visitors will have to carry out COVID-19 tests prior to the visits, wear personal protective equipment (PPE) and be asked to keep physical contact to a minimum.
Hugs and kisses will not be allowed to help curb the chance of spreading the virus, but handholding will be permitted, according to the latest visiting guidance by the Government.
Visiting is not conditional on the resident or visitor having been vaccinated, but it is "strongly recommended".
Outdoor visits, window visits and those in pods should continue so residents can see other loved ones, the guidance adds.
Nominated visitors will not be permitted to enter care homes where there are COVID-19 outbreaks, the guidance states.
But visitors providing essential care, and visits when the resident is at the end of their life, can continue.
The Government will decide whether to extend the number of visitors to two per resident at step two of its road map and no earlier than 12 April.
Additional reporting by Sky News
