An outbreak of Covid-19 has hit a care home, as more than 30 residents and staff test positive for the virus – and multiple deaths are recorded.

A spokesperson for HC One, which runs Croft Avenue Care Home at Penrith, has confirmed the residential home has seen 18 residents and a further 18 staff members receive a positive Covid test.

They are currently self-isolating in a bid to prevent further spread of coronavirus.

A number of residents have also passed away following the positive results, but as the number is under five, the exact figure is being kept private by the care home.

The spokesperson added that the company is doing what it can to support families who have lost a loved one.

The majority of residents are healthy, and those who are ill expect to recover in the next few days.

The spokesperson for the home said: “Our thoughts and sympathies are with all families who have lost a loved one from coronavirus, and we are doing our utmost to support them during this difficult time.

“Our residents are our absolute priority and we are taking all steps to minimise the spread of the virus including caring for residents in their rooms, continuing to restrict staff movement and focusing on high standards of infection control.

"We are doing everything we can to support our residents to return to good health."

They continued: “The home is closed to non-essential visitors and admissions and we continue to work closely with our local health partners to respond to the outbreak.

"We have the staff, PPE and equipment needed to protect residents and colleagues, and we are grateful for the ongoing support and understanding from our families.”