A Sidmouth care home resident has died after an outbreak of coronavirus.

Holmesley Care Home has had 'a high number of positive cases' of Covid-19 and it's being reported that five residents have been admitted to hospital – one of whom has passed away.

Up until now the home had been free of the virus, and an assessment by the Care Quality Commission in May last year found that the necessary measures were in place to prevent and control Covid-19 infection.

In a statement, director Will Neal said: ""We can confirm that we currently have a high number of positive cases of coronavirus among residents in the home, and that one of our residents has now sadly passed away.

"For nearly 12 months the staff team have worked hard and kept the virus from entering our home - we are deeply saddened by this outbreak.

"Nearly all our residents and the team have received their first dose of the vaccine and were about to have their second dose, and we hope this may have helped prevent an even worse situation.

"We are working closely with Public Health England and Public Health Devon, and have a comprehensive package of measures in place to halt the spread and to ensure that our residents are receiving the care they need."

Public Health Devon's director, Steve Brown, said: "This level of outbreak is unusual following the roll out of the vaccination

programme, but it is a reminder that we must all stay on our guard.

"While the vaccine roll-out is going well and proving effective, we need to remember that no vaccination is ever 100% effective."

Read more here Care home outbreak likely cause of rise in East Devon Covid cases.