Nineteen test positive in coronavirus outbreak at Whitchurch care home
Nineteen people have tested positive for coronavirus at a care home in Whitchurch.
Shropshire Council says it is working with Public Health England Midlands and the care home, which has not been named, to ensure plans are in place to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
The authority says testing for staff and residents was arranged immediately and 19 positive cases were identified.
Everyone who tested positive has been asked to self-isolate for 10 days in line with government guidance.
Those residents who have tested positive for coronavirus are being supported to self-isolate in their accommodation.
More Covid-19 coverage:
The council says the care home has followed Government advice and guidelines and was quick to put measures in place and undertake all necessary health and safety measures to help prevent further transmission of the virus.
Rachel Robinson, Shropshire’s director of public health said: “Local outbreaks in care home settings are not unexpected during a pandemic and we have seen cases across the county.
"Our priority is to stop the spread of infection and protect the health and wellbeing of all residents in our community.
“I would like to reassure Shropshire residents that the risk to the wider community is very low.
"We have recently asked all care homes in Shropshire to suspend all non-essential visits, apart from exceptional circumstances such as end of life care.
“Shropshire Council, along with Public Health England, have responded quickly to the outbreak and we continue to support all those that have been affected.
“We are asking everyone in Shropshire to do their bit to help stop the spread of the virus.”
