Three care homes in UK in 'lockdown' - member of staff latest to test positive for coronavirus

Three care homes based in Northamptonshire, Hampshire and Staffordshire are closed to visitors after three people including a member of staff tested positive for coronavirus.

The member of staff who works at Heather Holmes Care Home, Rushton Road, Desborough is the latest person to have tested positive for coronavirus.

A spokesperson for Heather Holmes confirmed that "a member of staff has tested positive for COVID-19.

"The health and wellbeing of the people we support, and our members of staff, is our absolute priority. We are working closely with Public Health England and following their instruction."

A spokesman for Northamptonshire County Council called the case "low risk" and said: "Our social care and public health teams are working with partners to provide support. We will also be looking at next steps to see what further support can be provided.”

All local authorities involved are taking measures as per Public Health England's advice

Yesterday, Oakridge Care Home, Basingstoke placed a sign on their door apologising for any inconvenience to visitors which said: ‘Infection procedures in place. We are closed to visitors due to a respiratory outbreak’.

They could not confirm whether the patient was a resident or staff member. Hampshire County Council said it was working closely with Public Health England to minimise the risk of the virus spreading further.

A spokesperson for Hampshire County Council said: “Yesterday, Public Health England (PHE) advised us that one case of Coronavirus (COVID-19) has been confirmed at Oakridge care home in Basingstoke.

"The person is currently being treated in hospital. The management team at Oakridge have received specialist advice from PHE to minimise the spread of the virus - to protect residents and staff.

"This includes advice on testing should this be required. Infection control procedures are a normal part of the care and support delivered at Oakridge and we continue to liaise closely with PHE should any additional action be required.

"Our main home is open to family visitors as usual, and we are asking staff and those visiting to ensure they continue to follow the appropriate hand washing guidance and other hygiene advice on entering our home – as they would normally.

"We continue to closely monitor the situation to ensure we are providing the best possible care to our residents.”

Earlier this week, a care home in Tamworth made the "difficult decision" to close to visitors after a coronavirus case was confirmed in the Staffordshire area.

A statement for Sunningdale Care Home read: "I would like to reassure residents, relatives, staff and visitors of how seriously we take the safety of our residents and the importance of prevention through infection control measures.

"There has been a confirmed case of coronavirus within the Tamworth area and as such we have made the very difficult decision to close the home to visitors.

"I would like to assure you that we have no suspected cases within the home and this measure has been taken for prevention and to protect the vulnerable adults in our care. Additional measures have also been put in to place within the home.

"For the residents, it will be business as usual and we will schedule additional activities within the home."

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