FIFTEEN residents and six staff members at a Gateshead care home have tested positive for Covid-19, it has been confirmed.

None of those who were diagnosed positive at Armstrong House care home, on Lobley Hill Road, in Bensham, showed any symptoms of the virus and are now self isolating.

Care UK, who operate the home, say their team was following full infection control procedures in line with guidance from Public Health England.

Those team members who tested positive are self-isolating at home, while all residents are staying in their rooms and PPE is being used by everyone who supports them.

A Care UK spokesperson said: “All team members and residents have recently undertaken the routine test for coronavirus. Initially, six team members and one resident tested positive. All were, and continue to be, completely asymptomatic.

"On Wednesday afternoon, we had some more test results back and a further 14 residents have also tested positive despite none of them displaying any symptoms of Covid-19.

"In our view, this demonstrates the importance of regular testing for all care home residents and the teams that support them.

"All colleagues are being re-tested as part of the rolling programme of testing established by the Department of Health and Social Care.

"Our first priority is the safety of residents, their families and the team that care for them so, as a result of these test results, and in line with Government guidance, the home is now closed to visitors.

"We understand how frustrating this is for residents and their families and we look forward to being able to welcome people back for socially distanced visits as soon as we are safely able to do so."