Fears over possible limit of three visitors to care homes in North Yorkshire
The Chair of the Independent Care Group says the move would be 'disappointing' - but that people need to be kept safe.
It's reported care homes in England will be likely forced to limit visitors to three people under plan B coronavirus rules.
More restrictions have come into effect today including mandatory mask wearing in more locations.
Mike Padgham is Chair of the Independent Care Group in North Yorkshire, and also owns care homes in Scarborough:
"I do feel for families and those in care homes, because they've been through a tough period over the last two years. It's hard on them, but I do understand that we need to keep in front of this virus and keep it out of our care homes.
"It is regrettable but I guess we have to be on the safe side. Any number of people going in is a risk, but I think there's a risk of people not visiting their loved ones as well. It's got to be a balanced risk.
"The critical thing is that homes are working on very narrow margins with staffing levels because there's a recruitment crisis. We can't afford to have the virus in care homes for the relative and resident's perspectives, but also from the staff's perspective - if we run out of staff we're going to be in very difficult waters indeed.
"Being a member of the public myself it is very confusing in terms of masks in supermarkets, cinemas and large venues - but at the moment hospitality has no face masks. However, I believe that the country could be looking at Plan C - which could be face masks everywhere. Tired as we might be, we need to protect those vulnerable people.
"Thankfully visiting will still be allowed in care homes - that's the key thing. I know it's not as good as what people wanted but at least visits can still take place. I'm hoping soon after Christmas we can get back to some normality again".