FIFTEEN care home residents have died after their home suffered a major outbreak of coronavirus.

Perry Manor Care Home said the deaths - of residents who had tested positive for Covid-19 - had happened ‘in recent weeks’ and also confirmed a small number of other residents have also died from other causes.

Thirty-three members of staff have tested positive for the deadly virus.

The home, based in Charles Hastings Way, is now working with Worcestershire County Council and Public Health England. Those people infected are isolating and visiting is restricted to essential visits only.

The statement from Care UK, who manage the home, said none of the staff members with Covid were “seriously ill”, most were asymptomatic with most staff now back at work after their isolation period.

The home said it had followed very stringent infection prevention and control protocols, and has been working closely with county public health partners to minimise the risk of further infection.

Dave Ashbolt, Care UK’s regional director, said: “I would like to send my condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost someone from our home in recent weeks.

“We are all saddened by the losses and everyone is in our thoughts.

“I would like to pay tribute to the team at the home who have done an incredible job in very difficult circumstances.

“Many have tested positive and have been self-isolating so colleagues have been working extra shifts and taking on whatever task needs to be done.

“Not only have they provided top quality, loving care to residents but they have also worked tirelessly to reassure relatives where they can and keep them up to date with news.

“The team has been touched by the kind messages and gifts that they have received from relatives and the local community. I would also like to say thank you to all the local health protection team members and our GP Dr Maggie Keeble for their support and advice.”

The statement from Care UK said the home had a “plentiful supply” of PPE, and all the necessary sanitation equipment, with team members fully trained in all aspects of its use.

The home added those residents who were well, and had not returned a positive test, had been vaccinated, as well as half of the care home’s staff.

Dr Kathryn Cobain, director of public health for Worcestershire, said: “Worcestershire County Council is working with Public Health England (PHE) Midlands to support Perry Manor Care Home in Worcester 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.

“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.”

The home, that provides accommodation, nursing and personal care for up to 82 older people, was rated outstanding following inspections by the Care Quality Commission in 2018.