A CARE home says it has seen coronavirus "hit like a whirlwind" after having positive cases among residents and staff.

The Hamiltons Care Home in Atherton shared on its Facebook page that it had seen "most clients" testing positive for COVID-19, as well as "most of the staff".

The home had said in an initial post earlier this month that four staff had tested positive and put into isolation but the home has since seen the outbreak spread.

It is understood that 28 people have tested positive at the home, including 15 residents and 13 staff members.

The home added the residents have been isolated in their rooms during the period to minimise transmission risk.

It said no-one has suffered from "severe" symptoms due to the illness.

When asked about the outbreak at the home, a spokesperson for the council said the local authority has a great working relationship with the provider.

The council is in regular contact with the registered manager at the home, who communicated the situation to the local authority health protection and civil contingencies team.

It is understood some affected staff members are due back to work.

The council added it has been working closely with care homes across the borough to offer support and provide extra personal protective equipment (PPE).

In the Facebook post, The Hamiltons said: "Hi all families and friends, as you all know coronavirus hit the home like a whirlwind with most clients testing positive, as well as most of the staff. We managed to man the home in crisis so everyone was well taken care of.

"All clients isolated in their rooms during this period to minimise the risk of infection spreading, and on daily reports back, no one has had severe symptoms apart from tiredness and all have enjoyed the rest/peace and quiet.

"All staff that tested positive are returning to work this week and are getting better."

Professor Kate Ardern, director of public health at Wigan Council added: “We are aware of staff and residents at The Hamiltons unfortunately recording positive COVID-19 tests.

“We have been very active in supporting comprehensive testing in our care homes and a whole home testing programme was implemented once reports were raised.

“The council has continued to step up its own rollout of personal protective equipment (PPE) and maintain dialogue with management.

“We would like to thank all our incredible care home staff who continue to work around the clock caring for residents during these challenging times.”