Coronavirus: Thirteen die at Stanley care home

The first death at Stanley Park Care Home was in late March

Thirteen residents of a County Durham care home have now died after displaying symptoms of coronavirus.

Managers at Stanley Park care home in Stanley said they were "devastated" by the deaths.

The first death was in late March with the latest confirmed by home operator Care UK on Monday.

It has not been disclosed how many other residents at the 72-bed home are ill. One resident who tested positive for the virus is in hospital.

Five deaths were announced overnight on Sunday before the 13th was later reported on Monday.

Care UK said the latest resident to die had been living in the home and had some symptoms that could indicate Covid-19, though no test had been carried out.

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Care UK regional director Karen Morrison said: "We are completely devastated that this many residents have lost their lives to what we believe to be Covid-19.

"My heart goes out to the families and friends of residents who have passed away over the past few days. We are all thinking of them at this difficult time and send our condolences and best wishes.

"The team at the home continue to be absolutely amazing and I cannot thank them enough.

"Despite all that has happened, they continue to deliver the very best care in a kind and professional way.

"They have had all the necessary PPE and have been using it meticulously ever since the first case was seen at the end of last month."