ANOTHER Basingstoke care home has declared an outbreak of Covid-19 resulting in deaths of residents. 

Marnel Lodge, in Popley, declared the Covid outbreak on January 10 after a “number of cases and deaths” were reported to Public Health England.

It comes after 22 residents died at Pemberley House Care Home in Viables, after an outbreak was declared there on January 5.

A spokesperson for Barchester Healthcare, which runs Marnel Lodge, said: “We can confirm that we have had individuals confirmed with Covid-19 at Marnel Lodge and very sadly some of those have passed away.

“We are deeply saddened by these losses and we send our condolences to all family and friends affected. We have done everything possible to contain this virulent virus and we are very grateful to our residents, their families and friends for their support.”

Public Health England said it is unable to confirm the exact number of residents who have died at the home during the outbreak. However, the Gazette understands the figure is fewer than 10. 

Marnel Lodge, which is rated as "good" by the Care Quality Commission has capacity for up to 62 residents.

Barchester’s highly trained support team has been working with staff at Marnel Lodge to offer “an extra level of assistance in the fight against Covid-19”.

The spokesperson added: “The team at the home continues to put their all into caring for our residents and the situation is improving as each day passes, with some residents due to end their isolation this week and 98 per cent of our residents having now had at least the first part of the Covid-19 vaccine.”

Marnel Lodge was among the first care homes to receive the vaccine with doctors from The Chineham Medical Practice visiting on New Year's Day to administer it. 

The government advises you cannot catch Covid-19 from the vaccine but it is possible to have caught Covid-19 and not realise you have the symptoms until after your vaccination appointment.

It may take a week or two to build up some protection from the first dose of vaccine.

The news of the outbreak comes after it was reported that Popley had the highest number of cases of Covid in the borough in the week up to January 24, with 95 people testing positive, giving it a rolling rate of 682.8 per 100,000.

Trish Mannes, deputy director of health protection for Public Health England South East, said: “It is important that we do all we can to protect our elderly and vulnerable in care homes. It is really positive news that vaccinations are being given to priority groups according to age and vulnerability. Care home residents and staff have been prioritised for vaccination.

“We know care home staff are under a huge amount of pressure and we have nothing but admiration for the tough job they are doing. Sadly, many care home residents, as well as some of the dedicated staff who care for them, have lost their lives during this pandemic and many families have lost loved ones.

“Our role at PHE is to work very closely with local authority and NHS colleagues, as well as care home management teams in the event of a confirmed case or outbreak. We advise the care home management teams on the best actions to take to help prevent further cases.

“Care homes have been working incredibly hard to stop the spread of Covid-19. When residents or staff members develop symptoms, they immediately implement cleaning, self-shielding and self-isolating measures. All homes are advised to keep these measures in place to help reduce the risk of further cases, and are given guidance to closely monitor residents, looking out for symptoms such as fever, cough or difficulty breathing.”