THE company which runs Powys County Council’s care homes has said it is stopping all non-essential visits in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

It said it is "limiting" visits by family and friends and entertainment and other events for residents.

Shaw healthcare, which operates 12 residential homes on behalf of the county council, said in a statement: "We have made the decision to limit non-essential visitors to all our care homes until further notice.

"We have not taken this decision lightly, but we know our visitors, including relatives and loved ones, would want us to do everything possible to keep service users in our care safe and well.

"Non-essential visits include routine visits from relatives and loved ones, visits from individuals such as hairdressers and entertainers, and from professionals and contractors carrying out non-essential services."

The firm has said it will consider requests for essential visits but is asking those who can use alternatives such as phone or video calls to do that instead.

The statement said: "Requests for essential visits where exceptional circumstances arise will be considered. These can be arranged by contacting the Home Manager. Phone numbers for all homes are listed on the individual home pages here. Alternatively, you can call the Shaw healthcare on 0800 902 0092."

It has also asked anyone who is, or has recently been, unwell or has been in contact with someone who may have coronavirus to stay away: "Please do not attempt to arrange a visit to any Shaw healthcare care or nursing home for any reason if you currently feel unwell, particularly if you have a cough, a fever or high- temperature, or have shortness of breath, or if you have been in contact with someone who may have coronavirus."

Anyone granted an essential visit is asked to follow steps such as washing their hands for a minimum of 20 seconds before visiting and to do so regularly while at the home using either hot water and soap or 60% alcohol sanitiser gel.

Visitors should also make sure they have a tissue on them at all times so coughs or sneezes can be caught and the tissue is immediately disposed of in the bin.

The Welsh Government announced today all routine surgery and out patient operations at Welsh hospitals are cancelled to keep beds free for those with coronavirus.