Rapid Covid tests could allow Christmas care home visits - but is the government giving false hope?

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has raised hopes that members of the public may be given access to rapid coronavirus tests in order to safely visit loved ones in care homes this Christmas.

Mr Hancock said trials of rapid coronavirus tests - which give results in between 15 to 30 minutes - are currently being trialled in Devon, Cornwall and Hampshire, and should be rolled out across England more widely within weeks.

The tests would then be offered to up to two family members or friends per care home resident, with the aim of avoiding the spread of Covid-19 in care homes.

Mr Hancock said, “I hope to have that in place for all care homes by Christmas.”

'Dangerous to raise expectations'

Care homes, however, are more sceptical about the probability of such a scheme being ready in time for Christmas without extra funding.

The National Care Forum said, “It is dangerous to raise ­expectations without policies in place.”

Care homes are also said to fear similar failures to PPE shortages early in the pandemic, with bosses unsure that the government will live up to its promise of care home visits at Christmas.