'Coronavirus has robbed families of spending final moments with loved ones' - the YEP says

These are the heartbreaking words of former social worker Julie Ding.

She became a full-time carer for her beloved mother after she was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2018.

It has been over a month since Julie was last able to physically see her. The only contact she has had is via video calls.

At the heart of this, Julie worries she might not even be able to hold her precious mother’s hand as she takes her last breath.

And she is concerned she would ultimately break that promise she made if her mum died alone in her nursing home.

The unenviable decision is at the hands of those care home managers who are determined to put the safety of staff and residents first.

Sadly, Julie’s story is a reality for other families across the country.

She is not alone.

Many have been robbed of spending their final moments with loved ones.

However, they remain united in their palpable sense of grief and loss.