Urgent investigation is launched after nearly a quarter of residents at one care home die from Covid as outbreak claims 15 lives

Fifteen residents at a care home have died in a three-week period following a coronavirus outbreak.

A total of 56 residents and 33 staff members at the Llangollen Fechan Care Home in Llangollen have also tested positive for the virus.

An 'incident management team' made up of Denbighshire Council, Public Health Wales and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board has now been set up to try to control the outbreak.

Nicola Stubbins, co-chairman of the team, said: 'We have been working together to investigate a number of cases of coronavirus in staff and residents at Llangollen Fechan Care Home in Llangollen.

'Over the last three weeks there have sadly been 56 positive cases and 15 deaths with coronavirus amongst residents.

'In addition 33 staff members have been tested positive for the virus over the same period.'

Fifteen residents have died at Llangollen Fechan Care Home in a three-week period where 56 residents and 33 staff members have also tested positive according to Public Health Wales

She added: 'We would like to assure all concerned that control measures have been put in place working jointly with the care home, including limiting the movement of staff and residents to reduce transmission.

'Our thoughts and condolences are with all affected and we remain committed to working together to address the situation.

'Anyone who meets the definition of a contact will be contacted as a routine part of the Test, Trace and Protect process and provided with additional advice for themselves, their household and other contacts.'

She said: 'As we move into the next phase of the coronavirus pandemic we expect to see cases in a variety of settings, and we manage any clusters of coronavirus appropriately.

'This can include providing advice around infection prevention and control, and by supporting contact tracing where required.

'We remind the public that they have a vital role in preventing the spread of coronavirus.

'They can do this by adhering to Welsh Government regulations currently in place in Wales, and by observing social distancing guidelines - that's staying two metres away from others - and washing hands regularly.'

In a statement, Roberts Homes (North Wales) Limited, which runs the care home, said: 'The Llangollen Fechan nursing home in Denbighshire has experienced a high level of Covid-19 cases in recent weeks.

'As a result, we are deeply sorry to report 15 residents with coronavirus have died in the Llangollen Fechan.

'Our deepest sympathies and sincere condolences go out to the families of those deceased residents.

Wales came out of 'firebreak lockdown' last week as England went into its second lockdown 

'We are continuing to support the next of kin who have lost a loved one and also those families whose loved ones remain in our care, during this difficult time. 

'As an organisation we are working with the relevant departments of Denbighshire County Council, Public Health Wales and many other organisations to manage and contain the situation and continue to follow the appropriate guidelines.

'We very much appreciate the support we are being given.

'All the staff at Llangollen Fechan are committed to providing compassionate and high-quality care for all residents in both its EMI and Residential Units.

'We thank all our staff for their continued support.

'Our main priority will always be to make sure all of the residents in our homes are as safe as possible.

'We are taking every precaution to ensure prevention measures are in place to contain the outbreak and minimise transmission.

'We are working closely with our colleagues in public health and other public bodies to monitor the situation and to ensure all necessary action is taken.

'Regular testing of our residents and staff continues and we continue to advise those who have been in close contact to self-isolate in line with national guidelines.'