ALMOST a third of care homes in Worcestershire are currently experiencing "code red" Covid-19 outbreaks, new figures reveal.

Recent figures seen by The Shuttle, which were accurate as of Friday, January 21, show ongoing coronavirus outbreaks at 57 out of 177 adult care homes in the county.

Another 18 care homes are in "code amber" status, meaning they have one or more than two unlinked Covid cases.

On top of that, figures show 14 positive cases among staff or service users in supported living or extra care facilities.

At least 28 homes are currently closed to new admissions as a result of Covid-19, while two have temporarily ceased trading, with residents moved to other homes owned by the same provider on-site.

There were 292 Covid registered deaths in 64 care homes as of Friday, and 1,369 deaths due to other causes across all care homes since March 26. This is an increase of 16 deaths where Covid is included on the death certificate since the last report.

Worcestershire County Council says there has been a recent rise in positive cases in care homes and said it was working with care home staff to ensure transmission into and within the facilities is minimised.

Councillor Adrian Hardman, cabinet member for adult social care, said: “We are confident that all of our care homes and supported living facilities here in Worcestershire are doing everything possible to help control the virus to keep residents and staff safe.

“Unfortunately, the number of cases that we are seeing in Worcestershire is on a par with other parts of the country and we have seen a recent rise in cases in care homes and supported living facilities.

"The county council is working with staff at all social care facilities to ensure transmission into and within the facilities is minimised and if and when an outbreak is confirmed, outbreak management procedures are being followed and cases are isolating. Visiting is currently restricted to essential visits only.

“Our social care facilities have worked tirelessly during the pandemic to protect some of the county’s most vulnerable residents.

"This includes tailoring bespoke advice and support from infection prevention control nurses, provision of PPE and guidelines around hospital discharges, new residents and visitors.”

Recent data also details six current Covid situations at Worcestershire short break units and children's homes - four in children's homes and two in short breaks units.

Councillor Andy Roberts, cabinet member for children and families, said: “We do currently have positive cases of Covid-19 in three of our children’s homes in the county.

"However, we are confident that staff in each of our homes are working hard and doing everything they can to minimise transmission into and within homes and will continue to do so.

“In order to bring numbers of cases down across the whole of the county, we all must carry on following the national guidance to keep ourselves and others safe.”