A CARE home in Worcester where 15 residents have died is working with Worcestershire County Council to fight the outbreak.

Perry Manor Care Home has seen 15 residents lose their lives and 33 staff members test positive for coronavirus, with Worcestershire's director of public health, Dr Kathryn Cobain, saying the "highest standards of care" were being maintained.

She said: "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.

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"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."

Staff who have tested positive are now well and have returned to work following a period of self-isolation.

The team continues to follow very stringent infection prevention and control protocols and is working closely with Worcestershire public health partners to minimise the risk of further infection.

Care UK’s Regional Director Dave Ashbolt 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.

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"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.

"Thanks to their dedication, this home was free of Covid-19 cases for the first ten months of the pandemic.

"In recent weeks, 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."