TWO residents at Bedwardine House care home in Worcester have died following an outbreak of coronavirus.

Sixteen residents and sixteen staff members at the care home have also tested positive for the virus.

Dr Kathryn Cobain, director of public health for Worcestershire, said: “Sadly two residents at Bedwardine House care home in Worcester have 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.

"Since the start of the outbreak, 16 residents and 16 staff have tested positive.

"Outbreak management procedures are being followed, cases and any contacts are isolating and visiting is currently 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.”