TWO RESIDENTS at a Worcestershire care home have died following an outbreak of coronavirus.

Dr Kathryn Cobain, the county's director of public health, has said a total of 51 people had tested positive for the virus at St Stephens Care Home in Worcester.

She confirmed today (Monday, November 16) that two of those residents died after being identified as positive cases.

The other affected residents and staff are now following national guidance and self-isolating for 10 days while close contacts are being contacted.

Dr Kathryn Cobain said: “Worcestershire County Council continues to work with Public Health England (PHE) Midlands to support St. Stephens care home in Worcester, following an outbreak of Covid-19.

“33 residents and 18 staff have tested positive at the care home and they are now following national guidance and self-isolating for at least 10 days, while close contacts are being identified and told to self-isolate for 14 days, in accordance with the national guidance.

“Sadly, two residents who tested positive have died and our thoughts are with their families.

“Public Health partners are working closely with the home to ensure prevention measures are in place and we continue to work collectively to monitor the situation and to ensure all necessary action is taken."

Care home visits in Worcestershire were given the go-ahead last month despite the county suffering rising coronavirus rates.

The council’s public health department confirmed on October 19 that ‘limited’ care home visits could begin due to the ‘impact closure of care homes is having on families and residents’.