The watchdog has released the figures as ministers continue to deny its inspection teams regular testing.

The Department of Health and Social Care said inspectors do not get close enough to vulnerable residents to warrant regular testing despite fears they could seed homes with the virus through contact with staff.

The watchdog is about to launch 500 care home inspections over the next six weeks and employs around 1,300 inspectors. While inspectors are being allowed to visit homes, sometimes multiple locations in a day, relatives of residents are unable to visit.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) confirmed to The Independent that since March 225 staff had self-isolated because of concerns they may be at risk of catching the virus. A total of 143 workers reported symptoms of the virus.

Out of the 225 staff, 103 who self-isolated were inspectors. In total, 11 staff at the regulator tested positive for the virus, with six being inspectors.

Labour MP Barbara Keeley said the figures proved why it was now vital inspectors were regularly tested to prevent them taking coronavirus into care homes.

You can read the full article here: https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/uknews/coronavirus-more-than-100-care-home-inspectors-forced-to-self-isolate-as-ministers-withhold-regular-testing/ar-BB1aiTJl

It is clear from these numbers that the only way for CQC inspections to resume in a safe manner is for all inspectors to have access to regular Covid-19 testing, even if they are asymptomatic!

Please share this update, raise awareness and let us all ensure that those living in care homes are kept safe through the regular testing of inspectors