FIVE people have tested positive for Covid-19 at a care home in County Durham.

The outbreak happened at Unity House, in Peterlee, which is run by Lifeways and looks after people with learning disabilities.

The company said two residents and three members of staff tested positive for the virus after testing was carried out last week as part of its ongoing regime.

A spokesperson for Lifeways said: “Throughout the Covid-19 crisis, Lifeways have taken every precaution to keep safe the people we support, their families and carers, and our staff teams.

 “A large number of Covid tests were undertaken on Thursday 22nd October as part of our ongoing testing regime, and the results of these tests were received on Monday 26th October.

“These tests revealed that two people we support and three staff members had tested positive. 

 “We followed best practice and immediately took all the actions required under government guidelines, including informing Durham County Council, the CQC and Public Health England.

“We have kept our staff team fully informed at all times. We report to the local authorities on a daily basis the situation regarding COVID-19 at all our care homes, including Unity House. 

 “We can demonstrate that we have acted properly and promptly at all times following government guidance and we will continue to do all we can to keep people safe during this difficult time.”