THE number of people who have tested positive for coronavirus in St Helens’ care homes has fallen by more than 80 per cent in the week up to May 22.

Data provided by St Helens Council shows that 10 people died in care homes between May 14 and May 22.

Two of those deaths were suspected of being linked to COVID-19.

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The council says to date, 156 people have died in the borough’s care homes since the start of the outbreak, based off death notifications provided by care providers.

Out of those, 71 deaths have been linked to coronavirus.

COVID-19 has had an especially devastating impact on one St Helens care setting, St Helens Hall and Lodge Care Home, in Thatto Heath.

Sandstone Care Group, which operates the home, revealed that 18 of its residents have died after showing coronavirus-related symptoms.

A spokesman for Sandstone Care Group, said: “Like many care homes across the UK, we have been deeply affected by the Coronavirus pandemic.

“A total of 18 residents at St Helens Hall & Lodge care home have sadly died from COVID-19-related symptoms.

“We have been in close contact with all families concerned and have extended our deepest sympathies to the relatives and friends of those residents who have passed.

“The dedication, care and commitment shown by our staff has been outstanding and inspiring in equal measure.”

Sandstone says there have been no deaths or positive cases at the home for almost three weeks.

This appears to be reflective of overall picture in St Helens’ care homes.

According to the latest council data, 24 people displayed coronavirus-like symptoms in the week up to May 22, a drop of around 59 per cent.

The decrease in the number of positive cases was even greater, with 13 people testing positive during the same period, compared to 69 confirmed cases the week previously.

This represents a fall of 81 per cent.

St Helens Star: 18 deaths have been linked to COVID-19 at St Helens Hall & Lodge in Thatto Heath (image courtesy of Google Maps)18 deaths have been linked to COVID-19 at St Helens Hall & Lodge in Thatto Heath (image courtesy of Google Maps)

The situation at St Helens Hall & Lodge Care Home, which provides residential care for up to 94 older people, has improved so much that it is now admitting new residents to the home again.

A spokesman for Sandstone Care Group said: “We implemented rigorous prevention measures earlier than many care homes and we have continued to review and update our procedures throughout the crisis.

“We have been in close liaison with the Care Quality Commission throughout the pandemic and they have confirmed that they have been completely satisfied with all the preventative measures we have taken.

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“These have included robust sanitisation and hand washing procedures and all staff have self-isolated where appropriate, have had access to COVID-19-specific training and we have ensured adequate supply of appropriate PPE from the outset.

“It is now almost three weeks since the last positive test at the home and, following consultation with St Helens Council, we have begun admitting new residents again.

“We are extremely grateful to the local authority as well as the Care Quality Commission, Public Health England, and the frailty team who, in particular, have been incredibly supportive, as have the district nurses.”