UPDATE: COVID-19 outbreak, Sidmouth care home

Seven deaths have now been reported at a care home in Sidford, East Devon, which are all believed to be related to an outbreak of COVID-19.

Devon & Cornwall Police officers are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the outbreak at Holmesley Care Home.

A significant number of residents and staff have tested positive with COVID-19 and there have now been seven deaths since Sunday 6 March.

Ten residents are being treated at the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital with COVID-19. The member of staff from the home who was being treated in hospital with COVID-19 has now been discharged.

As part of the ongoing police investigation, officers are speaking to staff and conducted a search of the home earlier this week.

The police investigation is currently focusing on infection control and management within the home. It is not currently related in any way to the vaccination of residents.

The investigation is being led by Devon & Cornwall Police in partnership with a multi-agency safeguarding response.

Devon County Council and other partners are supporting the home with additional management and staffing support while staff are self-isolating, and are communicating directly with residents and their families.

Police continue to have specialist officers communicating with the families of the deceased residents.

--- Note to readers: This message has been disseminated by Devon and Cornwall Police - please visit their official website for further information.