Gloucestershire County Council said it will use an extension in government funding to continue their support for care providers working to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

The £3.1m funding, to be used until the end of September this 'year, is an addition to the £6.6m of funding the council has already distributed to Gloucestershire care providers to help them protect residents from Covid-19.

This second round of funding from the Government's Infection Control and Testing Fund will help the council to support care providers to continue rapid testing for staff and visitors, which enables residents to have close contact visits with family wherever possible.

Councillor Carole Allaway-Martin, cabinet member for adult social care commissioning, said: "Although restrictions are easing, it's vital that we carry on protecting Gloucestershire's most vulnerable people.

"This additional funding means we can continue to prioritise our support for care staff and the important work they are doing to protect our residents."