Joy as UK Care home residents get to hug family

Bob Underhill, an 84-year-old retiree, was reunited with his wife Patricia, 82, who has Alzheimer's on Wednesday (December 2).

Both were overcome as they met, then hugged and kissed through their face masks.

Patricia moved into a home in London in March after breaking her hip, meaning Bob could no longer care for her.

Serena Snelling took a test before seeing her mother, Theresa, who has been in a home since late February.

COVID-19 spread rapidly through British care homes at the start of the pandemic, as institutions found themselves without adequate protective gear, and agency staff working in multiple homes and visitors unwittingly spread the virus.

This led to homes entering strict lockdown and limiting visits to protect frail and elderly residents.