Across Scotland many people living in care homes are being 'shielded' from Coronavirus and have not seen loved ones since early March. Sadly, many have been infected with the virus and died, some without the comfort of a loved one present. This is a national tragedy and a personal one for many. There is, however, another national and personal tragedy unfolding in our care homes - residents in isolation are growing increasingly confused and severely mentally distressed because they cannot see their loved ones.

I care about this issue because my 88-year-old mum is in this position, and is suffering more every minute she cannot see her family. She has Alzheimer’s, and calls family members every day begging to be allowed to see them. I also know that she is not alone, and hundreds of people are suffering in the same way all over Scotland. Many have no idea what is going on beyond their own bedrooms let alone understanding the severity of a pandemic.

The Scottish Government has revealed its 5-phase plan out of lockdown, and while they have given details of when garden centres and golf courses will reopen, they have yet to say when relatives can visit their family members in care homes. They say they will 'consider the introduction of designated visitors to care homes.' Consideration is simply not good enough.

Please sign this petition and urge Health Protection Scotland to give care homes the permission and guidance that will allow visits to happen now. The Scottish Government also needs to immediately provide any additional resources needed by care homes to make this a reality. Every day of delay is another day in which our vulnerable friends and relatives will be experiencing extreme distress and confusion, irreversibly damaging their mental and physical health. They cannot wait for weeks or months for authorities to ‘consider’ letting them see relative.