A FOURTH resident at a city care home has died following an outbreak of coronavirus.

Four residents at St Stephen’s Care Home have now died and others remain unwell following an outbreak of coronavirus, which was identified at the care home in October.

It was initially revealed that 33 residents and 18 members of staff tested positive but the number of cases have increased at the home since and, as of November 25, 34 residents and 24 members of staff have tested positive.

Kathryn Cobain, director of Public Health for Worcestershire, said: “Sadly four residents at St. Stephen’s care home in Worcester have now died, following an outbreak of Covid-19. Our thoughts and condolences are with the families of those who have passed away. Unfortunately, It is a real reminder to us all that COVID-19 remains in our communities. Currently 34 residents have tested positive and 24 staff.

“Outbreak management procedures are being followed, cases are isolating and visiting is restricted to essential visits only. Multi-agency support has been provided to the care home since the first positive cases were identified.

“Staff at the home are working hard to ensure residents are receiving the highest standards of care. They continue to prioritise the health and safety of all the residents and the staff. Care homes remain a key priority for our outbreak control plan in the county, they are a high risk setting, with vulnerable people and we know Covid-19 is highly infectious in such closed settings.”

“This is a serious situation and we are continuing to support St Stephen’s to manage the outbreak.

“The home are receiving regular contact from specialist infection prevention and control staff, and have support available 24 hours a day, should it be needed.

“All staff and residents are being closely monitored for symptoms and testing of symptomatic individuals is available.”