Care home owner Target Healthcare REIT PLC (LON:THRL) says less than 5% of residents have coronavirus or symptoms though it expects that total to rise as the pandemic progresses.
Target is landlord to 27 care home operators through a portfolio of 73 properties.
It said today protocols for infection control within care homes were implemented by its tenants well ahead of the guidelines for the general population,
Staff members who show signs of infection are required to stay at home and self-isolate for up to two weeks, it added, which has meant additional staff absences, though these rates are currently manageable.
However, Target added that care home managers are having to carefully consider how to balance care for existing residents, assist the NHS in accepting new residents, and absorb the cost impact of additional staffing levels for absences and isolating patients.
The UK government has come under fire over how the care sector has been supported during the pandemic as deaths among residents have risen and has denied the focus has been on treating younger patients in hospital.
Testing will be stepped up in care homes where the virus is present with an overhaul of the way protective equipment is delivered, Health Minister Matt Hancock promised yesterday.
Target added it received March quarter rental payments as normal, although it had agreed for some tenants to stage payments in advance through the upcoming quarter.
The portfolio's aggregate rent cover on mature homes was 1.6 times last December.
An updated NAV and dividend declaration will be made on 21 April.