Covid: Twenty-two die after Basingstoke care home outbreak

The outbreak happened at Pemberley House Care Home in Grove Road, Basingstoke

Twenty-two residents of the same Hampshire care home have died after testing positive for Covid-19.

Owner Avery Healthcare said all the deaths at Pemberley House in Basingstoke occurred this month.

The firm said its thoughts were with "all the family and friends who have lost loved ones" and that staff worked "tirelessly" to protect residents.

Ward councillor Gavin James said the deaths were a "tragedy" and that "lessons need to be learned quickly".

Basingstoke councillor Gavin James said the deaths were a tragedy

He added: "In the fullness of time people who have lost a loved one will have lots of questions and absolutely deserve those answers."

News of the deaths was first reported in the Basingstoke Gazette, whose former picture editor Ron Boshier was among the residents to have died after contracting the virus.

The number of deaths accounted for approximately a third of those living at the home, which provides care for people over 65.

Basingstoke Gazette reporter Ryan Evans told the BBC: "It's a terrible, terrible loss and a really dark day for Basingstoke.

"It is one of the biggest outbreaks in the country... that's been reported on so far."

'Vaccine takes time'

In a statement, Avery Healthcare said: "We are deeply saddened by the loss of a number of our residents at our care home in Basingstoke, and our thoughts are with all the family and friends who have lost loved ones during this very difficult time.

"Staff have, and continue to work tirelessly throughout the pandemic to protect residents and each other.

"As a company we are supporting the vaccine roll-out and our focus remains on supporting the wellbeing of residents, families and staff as we work through this together."

A spokeswoman for Hampshire County Council said the local authority did not comment on deaths within private care homes and offered condolences to the families affected.

She added that "protection from the vaccine takes time" so even people who have had the jab should continue to regularly wash their hands, use face coverings and stay two metres apart.

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