Fifteen residents die at single care home during coronavirus pandemic

A care home has seen 15 of its residents die during the coronavirus pandemic.

Five of the cases at Castletroy Residential Home in Luton, Bedfordshire, had tested positive for Covid-19.

The other ten residents who died have not been tested for coronavirus, a Public Health England (PHE) spokeswoman said.

But a PHE statement said: "In occasions where some cases have already been tested positive in a care home, we do not advise testing of new cases as it will not change the public health management."

The Castletroy Residential Home in Luton where 15 residents have died (Google Maps)

Dr Sultan Salimee, from PHE East, said it was "continuing to work closely with the care home, providing public health advice to stop the virus spreading".

The home has 69 beds for elderly people with nursing or personal care needs.

Hazel Simmons, leader of Luton Council, said she was "desperately sad to hear about the tragic situation".

Castletroy Care Home was contacted for comment yesterday (Weds) - but a spokesperson was unavailable for further comment.