Eleven residents at a care home have died in the past three weeks after testing positive for Covid-19.
The deaths account for a quarter of the total residents at Trecarrel Care Home, part of the Cornwallis Care Services group, and each of them was said to have been "already ill with underlying health conditions".
Cornwall Live revealed last week that the home in Tywardreath, near St Austell, had an outbreak along with two other Cornwallis Care Services (CCSL) residential homes, in St Ives and in Lostwithiel.
Now the home has confirmed that eleven of its 44 residents have passed away as a result since the outbreak was first detected on January 24. There have been no further positive cases registered since February 5.
Nicola Hemsley, the operations director for Cornwallis Care Services, said in a statement: "Following a rigorous regular testing programme of both staff and residents at Trecarrel, Covid-19 infections were initially identified on 24th January, subsequent to the residents, GP administered, Covid-19 vaccination programme."
She continued: "Following this, CCSL sadly confirm that there have now been 11 Covid-19 related deaths at Trecarrel in a community of 44 residents.
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"Some of these Covid-19 related deaths have been amongst residents who were already very ill with underlying health conditions. Our thoughts and concerns are with the families and residents affected and we are always available for any help and support that is requested of us.
"The home has been, and remains, in frequent communication with relatives throughout, via telephone and post.
"CCSL has also provided advice and guidance to all staff regarding how to limit any possible onward transmission to the local community and furthermore, the regular testing regimens in the home mean that cases amongst staff are identified early so staff, and their close contacts, can self-isolate to reduce the risk of onward transmission within and outside the care setting.
"Cornwallis Care Services’ ethos is to provide care with warmth, dignity and kindness. We believe in respecting our residents’ wishes, to provide dedicated person centred care whilst giving residents the right to make their own decisions. We strive to ensure that our homes provide an environment where residents feel a sense of contentment each and everyday.
"Every member of our team shares the same goal of providing the highest standards that are paramount in ensuring that residents are offered the best possible care in a friendly and courteous manner."
The statement also confirmed that Trecarrel Care Home has continued to work openly with Public Health England (South West), Cornwall Council and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and kept them fully informed.
A spokesperson for Cornwall Council, said: "Together with Public Health England South West and local NHS colleagues, Cornwall Council is supporting staff and residents of Trecarrel care home in Tywardreath following an outbreak of Covid-19. Sadly a number of residents have passed away.
"The home remains closed to visitors and staff are carefully following the detailed guidance that is being provided by Public Health England and the Government. The home keeps in contact with families on a regular basis to keep them updated.
"We have worked closely with staff at Trecarrel to support them in containing the outbreak by evaluating all working practices, testing, cleaning regimes and isolation procedures. All practices are constantly reviewed to ensure stringent Covid-safe practices are being followed.
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"Trecarrel has also provided advice and guidance to all staff regarding how to limit any possible onward transmission to the local community. The regular testing regimens in the home mean that cases amongst staff are identified early so they and their close contacts can self isolate to reduce the risk of onward transmission within and outside the care setting.
"Care homes in general across the country have seen an increase in cases in recent weeks with the new variants in circulation which is easily transmissible.
"Throughout the pandemic we have supported and advised homes on testing and robust infection prevention and control measures such as regular safety risk assessments, strict cleaning practices, ensuring good ventilation and having a designated Covid-secure visiting space."
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