Rising cases of the Omicron variant have prompted tighter restrictions by the Government. Now pensioners in residential homes in England face having to sacrifice precious time with families.

       Ministers have confirmed they are updating guidance to allow only three visitors and one essential care giver per resident as part of a package of measures this winter.

       But campaign groups criticised the visiting cap, describing it as "hugely disappointing".

       The Relatives & Residents Association said: "It just takes us back to where we were many months ago - and the impact it will have on families will be devastating.

       "There are many who have been living in care for a while and thinking this could be their last Christmas.

       "So it's just going to lead to absolutely heartbreaking decisions for so many families. How do you pick those three people?"

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       There have been concerns during the pandemic about the management of restrictions in care homes. Last month, the Relatives & Residents Association said there had been a "huge disparity" in how measures have been eased compared to the rules for the wider public.

       And it also flagged up differences in how homes interpreted guidance.The Government said last month there were "no nationally set restrictions"

       on visits, amid concerns residents' rights were being curtailed.

       But the Department of Health and Social Care said new restrictions were "in order to balance the current risk and need to keep people safe".

       Health Secretary Sajid Javid said: "Throughout the pandemic we have done everything we can to protect the adult social care sector.

       "The emergence of the Omicron variant means this is more important than ever."

       Fully vaccinated residents visiting relatives will be asked to take a lateral flow test on alternate days for two weeks after each one, while the unjabbed have to isolate after a visit.

       Staff testing will be increased from two lateral flow tests per week to three, alongside a weekly PCR test.

       Vaccination teams are being expanded so all residents and staff, and housebound people and care givers, are offered a booster jab.The Government said the sector would benefit from a ￡300million fund for bonuses, pay rises and to hire staff.