CORONAVIRUS has been confirmed at a south Cumbria care home, alongside six more suspected cases.

A resident at the Old Vicarage care home in Allithwaite, Grange-Over-Sands is currently in hospital after testing positive for the virus.

Six more residents are also suspected as having the virus after showing similar symptoms last week.

Kamal Siddiqi, business manager of the Old Vicarage, said: “Last week six clients in the care home began to show symptoms of the virus.

“However, they have not been tested for coronavirus yet so it it is still unconfirmed.

“No one is showing serious symptoms or requires hospital treatment.

“There is currently one client in hospital who has tested positive but is doing well.”

Mr Siddiqi said appropriate health and safety precautions have been taken since coronavirus was confirmed.

“At the moment all the clients are isolating in their rooms,” he said.

“Staff members have all been using PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) and masks to prevent the spread of the virus. We’re following the appropriate advice and support from Cumbria County Council and other official bodies.”

The care home is currently appealing for more PPE including face masks and aprons.

Mr Siddiqi said: “Any help or resources people could offer us would be greatly appreciated.

“Face masks are particularly hard to find at the moment and we’re going through them quite quickly.

“We would also appreciate any voluntary help.

“This doesn’t have to be interacting with clients but rather picking up and dropping off supplies or chatting to clients via Skype.

“We wouldn’t ask volunteers to engage with any clients who are suspected to be ill.

“Health and safety is of the utmost important to us.

“So far we’ve had a huge amount of offers of support which we’re grateful for.”