Residents at a Basingstoke care home have been diagnosed with coronavirus.

At least three residents at Homefield House Nursing Home on Homefield Way have been struck down with the virus.

The chief operating officer for Shaw Healthcare, who runs the privately-owned care home, confirmed a small number of residents have been affected. 

The residential home has the capacity for 24 residents and looks after those with respite needs and those with dementia-related illnesses. 

A concerned source contacted the Gazette to raise the alarm after a carer came down with symptoms after working at the home.

They said: "A carer has coronavirus symptoms and is self-isolating. They have a temperature and a cough, it's not good.

“A carer was told three of their residents had coronavirus, out of a capacity of 20 residents."

Mike Smith, chief operating officer from Shaw Healthcare, confirmed that a "small number" of residents had coronavirus but did not disclose the exact figure.

Mr Smith said: “A small number of residents have unfortunately been tested positive for coronavirus, some are receiving care in hospital while others are receiving a very strict level of care at Homefield House, designed to best protect them and those around them.

“We are extremely proud and grateful to our frontline care team, they have been implementing stringent guidelines around infection control, deep cleaning, administering care and medication, and using Personal Protection Equipment (PPE).

He added: "We would also like to extend our thanks to the residents’ families that have all been very respectful of the guidelines for self-isolation and social distancing that we are also adhering to, as issued by the Government.”

Shaw Healthcare confirmed the PPE equipment used is face masks, gloves, hazmat suits, and aprons.

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