CORONAVIRUS has been reported in 13 care homes across the Dudley borough, council bosses have confirmed.

Two cases of the virus were confirmed at New Bradley Hall in Kingswinford two weeks ago and an inquest was told a 91-year-old resident at Wordsley Hall died of COVID-19 at the care home after being discharged from hospital after fracturing her hip in a fall.

But council bosses have now confirmed that coronavirus has hit nearly 15 per cent of the borough's care homes.

Councillor Nicolas Barlow, Dudley Council's cabinet member for adult social care, said: “Unfortunately we have seen a number of cases of coronavirus in 13 of our care homes, where two or more people have tested positive or are suspected to have the virus.

"The number of homes affected is relatively low compared to the total number of homes currently operating in the borough, which stands at more than 90.

“We continue to work with all homes very closely, providing support and the latest advice on infection controls procedures to reduce the risk to other residents and continue the fight against coronavirus.

“Standard practice means care homes in Dudley are regularly commissioned to receive patients who are well enough and ready to be discharged from hospital.

"At the moment, if one of those patients being discharged to a care home has tested positive for the virus they will be cared for in line with the infection prevention guidelines. We must remember there is a duty of care for all residents in our care homes.

“Working with health partners we are committed to identifying cases rapidly to reduce the spread of the infection in the borough’s homes.”

He said the council was working closely with Public Health England and CCG partners and added: “Together we’ve established a screening team to identify suspected outbreaks as quickly as possible and our health protection team is advising homes on infection control precautions to reduce the risk to other residents.

“Our CCG colleagues have also set up a 24/7 clinical support line for homes as well as a 24/7 rapid response team to offer support to anyone whose condition may be deteriorating.

"The CCG has also coordinated the supply of additional observation equipment (thermometers, blood pressure machines and oxygen monitors) and related training to care homes. GPs are also providing remote video consultations from their practices.

“It’s important we maintain this dialogue with care homes throughout the outbreak, they are providing a crucial service to our most vulnerable residents and we will support them every step of the way.”

According to latest ONS data on coronavirus there have been six deaths linked to COVID-19 in the Dudley borough - and 1,043 coronavirus related deaths in total in care homes across England and Wales.

The data lists all deaths registered in England and Wales up until April 10.