Virus Outbreak At Exeter Care Home

A Care home has closed its doors to new residents because of a virus outbreak. The North Lincolnshire Council-run De Lacy House in Winterton made its decision yesterday after a sixth person fell ill.

The council’s assistant head of adult social care Pete Lenehan was unable to say if the outbreak was related to the norovirus cases at Scunthorpe General Hospital.

The cause of the outbreak is being investigated by environmental health officers, and results are expected today.

Mr Lenehan said: “Six out of 27 residents are affected.

“We felt the right thing to do was stop new admissions.”

Antibacterial handwash has been set up at the main doors and outside bedrooms, and posters have been put up advising visitors of the situation.

Several groups and day care users have been told the house is out of bounds.

The 30-room complex offers permanent, respite and emergency care.