A CARE home that reported 24 deaths since the start of the pandemic has announced two residents have retested positive for Covid-19.

In June, Melbury Court care home, in Durham, revealed that the virus had affected 62 residents, including 24 people who had died.

A spokesperson said whole home testing is being carried out by Public Health as a priority.

They said: “As part of routine testing at the home, two residents have re-tested positive for Covid-19 following the tests picking up dead coronavirus cells. Both residents are doing well and we are monitoring the situation closely.

“As a precautionary measure, we are implementing additional infection control measures across the home. This includes closing the home to non-essential visitors, limiting staff movement in the home and facilitating whole-home testing with Public Health as a priority.

“Prior to this result, there have been no new positive tests for approximately eight weeks at Melbury Court and the home continues to have the highest standards of infection control. We are working closely with our local health and care partners and are in regular contact with the next of kin of our residents to keep them updated of the situation. We are proud of our colleagues and how they have shown huge dedication and commitment to our residents. We are providing round-the-clock support for all our teams and we are also grateful to relatives for their ongoing support and understanding.”