BOSSES at a care home have sent their heartfelt condolences to several families after a number of their "treasured residents" died following a positive Covid-19 test.

Alderwood Care Home, in Essex Hall Road, Colchester, which was rated 'outstanding' back in 2018 by the Care Quality Commission, has recently recorded an unknown number of deaths.

Some of those elderly residents, who were already living with complex health conditions, passed away shortly after taking a coronavirus test and returning a positive result.

Care homes, however, are not sent death certificates so are therefore unable to conclusively determine whether or not their residents' died directly from Covid-19, nor the extent to which it may have played a part.

Nicola Coveney, managing director of Alderwood Care Home, has vowed to continue doing everything she can in order to keep the loved ones of worried families safe.

"It is with my deepest sadness that I can confirm a number of our treasured residents have passed away following a positive test result for Covid-19," she said.

"Our heartfelt condolences continue to go out to our families who have lost loved ones during this truly awful pandemic.

"We have fought this virus together with our health partners, and will continue to do absolutely everything we can to protect our team and residents whilst, as always, caring for them with love and compassion as they are part of our extended families.”