TWO care-home workers have been arrested after a Covid outbreak left nine residents dead.
Police had launched a probe into a “significant outbreak” at Holmesley Care Home in Sidford, East Devon.
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Nine deaths reported at the home since February 25 are all believed to be coronavirus-related.
A 57-year-old woman from Sidmouth and a 30-year-old man from Exeter have been arrested on suspicion of wilful neglect, Devon & Cornwall Police said.
They are both said to be members of staff at the care home.
No other arrests are currently planned by police in relation to the ongoing enquiry, the force said.
‘DEVASTATED’
Chief Superintendent Dan Evans has previously said: “I’ve no doubt there will be concern in the community regarding this incident and we are doing everything possible to help those bereaved families, while also working with partners to communicate to those with relatives remaining within the home.
“This is a complex investigation involving ourselves and multi-agency partners with safeguarding of residents at its core.
“There is significant work under way to understand the current situation and progress the investigation as quickly as possible, while maintaining the safety of care home residents, staff, police officers and partner agency staff.”
Devon & Cornwall Police said a “significant number” of residents and staff had tested positive for Covid-19, with five deaths since March 6.
Ten other residents and one member of staff have also required hospital treatment.
The investigation is being led by the force as part of a multi-agency safeguarding response.
A spokesperson for Holmesley Care Home has previously commented: “I can confirm that we are currently dealing with an outbreak of coronavirus in the home and that sadly, five residents have passed away from the virus.
“They will be deeply missed and our thoughts are with their loved ones at this challenging time.
“The vast majority of our residents and our staff team have received their first dose of the vaccine and we hope this may have helped prevent an even worse situation.”
The spokesman added the care home is “devastated” by the outbreak.
