RESIDENTS at seven care homes across the North East have been overjoyed to reunite with loved ones who can now visit the homes inside Covid-safe visitor pods. After nine months of separation to protect them from Covid-19, residents can safely see their family and friends once again. Arriving just in time for Christmas visits, the pods have been installed at Kenton Manor, Kenton Hall and Ashton Court in Newcastle, Craigielea in Gateshead, Wilton House in Darlington, Astune Rise in Middlesbrough and Peterlee Care Home. The pods are made from airtight floor to ceiling Perspex screens, with access to their own door so visitors don’t have to enter any other part of the homes. Residents sit on the other side of the screen, enabling them to see and chat to their visitors using an HD speaker/microphone system.