Five further deaths have been recorded at a Llangollen care home.

An Incident Management Team (IMT) reported on November 20 that 15 deaths and 56 positive cases, as well as an additional 33 positive tests for staff, were uncovered at Llangollen Fechan Care Home in a three week period.

However, the number of deaths has now risen by five, taking the total to 20.

There has also been further positive tests made on site in the last few days.

A spokesperson for Denbighshire County Council, who are part of the IMT investigating these cases along with Public Health Wales and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said: "Sadly, there have been five further deaths taking the total in the last three weeks to 20.

"There have been 11 new positive coronavirus tests, which include four residents and seven members of staff, resulting in a total of 60 residents and 40 staff since the start of this incident (November 26)."

The organisations that make up the Incident Management Team are bringing together their expertise and continue to work with the owners of the home and to co-ordinate the response. The IMT is taking the incident very seriously.

Co-chair of the IMT, Nicola Stubbins, said: “We continue to work together closely to monitor the situation and to help the owners and staff to implement the control measures.

“We are very sad to report these further deaths and are very concerned about a number of residents who are currently very poorly. Unfortunately, residents who are already vulnerable through their age or pre-existing conditions are more likely to suffer the worst outcomes from this deadly virus and our thoughts are with all of those affected.

“We still expect to see cases in a variety of settings, and we manage any clusters of Coronavirus appropriately. This can include providing advice around infection prevention and control, and by supporting contact tracing where required.

“Anyone who meets the definition of a contact will be contacted as a routine part of the Test, Trace and Protect process and provided with additional advice for themselves, their household and other contacts.

“We remind the public that they have a vital role in preventing the spread of Coronavirus. They can do this by adhering to Welsh Government regulations currently in place in Wales, and by observing social distancing guidelines – that’s staying two metres away from others – and washing hands regularly.”