THERE has been an outbreak of Covid-19 at a Bishops Castle care home.

Shropshire Council is working with Public Health England Midlands in response to recent cases of Covid-19 linked to a care home in Bishops Castle.

The Council is working with the care home to ensure plans are in place to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Testing for staff and residents was arranged immediately and 11 positive cases have been 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.

The Council understands the care home has followed Government advice and guidelines; it was quick to put measures in place and undertake all necessary health and safety measures to help prevent further transmission of the virus.

It continue to work with everyone involved to provide health protection advice and guidance.

“Local outbreaks in care home settings are not unexpected during a pandemic and we have seen cases across the county,” said Rachel Robinson, Shropshire’s Director of public health.

“Our priority is to stop the spread of infection and protect the health and wellbeing of all residents in our community.

“Shropshire Council, along with Public Health England have responded quickly to the outbreak and we continue to support all those that have been affected.

“Shropshire’s vaccination rollout continues to gather pace – and residents in all older people's care homes in the county have either received or been offered their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine jab.

“We are asking people to act as if they have the virus. It is well known that this new variant is easier to catch, so we must continue to be vigilant and act like we all have Covid. Every social contact provides the virus with a chance to spread so please, Stay at Home and don’t make any unnecessary journeys.

“That means staying at home but for a few exceptional reasons including for exercise, shopping for essentials and travelling to work if you cannot do so from home. You can also leave home to seek help if you are unsafe or at risk of danger. But unless it is absolutely necessary, you should stay at home and deny the virus any opportunity to spread.”