A FLOOR-TO-CEILING Covid-19-proof pod was installed at a care home in Oxfordshire to allow visits from friends and family.

Residents at Hempton Field in Chinnor will be able to see their loved ones face-to-face during England's month long lockdown, which is set to end on Wednesday, December 2.

During the summer months the elderly hosted their visitors outdoors but as temperatures decreases staff at the home were forced to come up with an alternative option.

The pods are also equipped with speakers and comfortable leather chairs.

ALSO READ: Cyclist killed in crash with lorry

The latest advice from the Government, which came into effect yesterday, states that care homes, especially those which have not allowed visits since the pandemic started in March, are 'encouraged and supported to provide safe visiting opportunities'.

In contrast to the first lockdown, care homes have been urged to not ban visits, but were told that protections like pod in Hempton Field must be put in place.

But Alzheimer's Society CEO Kate Lee, who appeared on Good Morning Britain yesterday, criticised the updated guidelines for 'missing the point' and called the pods 'prison-style screens'.

She explained: "We are really disappointed that the Government has not take our advice on board to use testing properly to support family carers who often want to self-isolate to be able to go into a care home like a key worker and a member of staff.

ALSO READ: Restaurants and cafes offering takeaway and delivery during lockdown

"What is happening is that, as their wellbeing declines, they feel isolated from their family and that is a killer with dementia.

"It is vital that people have a good connection with their family in order to stay alive."

Ms Lee also pointed out that often people with dementia are bed-bound and struggling to speak, so they would be distressed by the pods.

In addition, she added that not all care homes will be able to afford these screens.