Six residents at a single care home have died from coronavirus in recent weeks.

The tragedy unfolded at Tye Green Lodge in Harlow, Essex, as the Government struggles to provide protection and testing to care homes.

A member of staff has also died, but it is not yet known if they had been infected with the virus.

It is understood a further 10 residents have died in the same facility across the same period, but they have not been tested for Covid-19.

For the latest coronavirus updates for east London and Essex, follow our live blog

The leader of the town’s Labour council has blasted the Government for not testing the elderly for the virus as they leave hospital for their care homes.

Cllr Mark Ingall said: “The situation in care homes like Tye Green Lodge is a fast developing tragedy.

“Whilst the precise circumstances around the sad deaths in this care home in my ward are not known, the Health Secretary said on April 16 that routine testing for Covid19 of elderly patients leaving hospital to return to a care home was only just beginning.

“Shockingly this must mean that before this change in policy some elderly hospital leavers carrying the virus have been returned to care homes, taking the infection to the heart of our most vulnerable institutions.

“It is simply unacceptable that in a time of lockdown, when staff of some care homes are living in with their residents to avoid the risk of contamination, that this has been allowed to happen.

“My thoughts are with the relatives of those that have died, the surviving residents of care homes and their families, who must be deeply troubled, and with the carers, often working for so little, who are devoted to their charges and who have seen so many pass away in such a short space of time.”

The home says it has the necessary protective equipment and staffing but has called on the Government to “deliver its commitment” to ramp up testing.

Hertfordshire-based not-for-profit company Quantum Care runs the 66-bed unit, as well as more than 30 others across East Anglia.

A spokesman for the firm said: “It is with deep sadness we can confirm that six residents have passed away in hospital in recent weeks, as a result of coronavirus.

“A number of other residents have died at the home, although a lack of testing means it is not possible to ascertain the precise cause of death.

“They are all dearly missed. Our thoughts are with their loved ones, and we are doing everything we can to support them.

“Our colleague and friend who has passed was a much-loved member of the Quantum Care family.

“His passion for care and commitment to our residents knew no bounds, and he will be fondly remembered for the warmth and joy he brought to our home.

“He will be very sadly missed by all his friends, colleagues and the residents. Our deepest sympathies are with his family at this exceptionally difficult time.

“We are extremely grateful for the support shown to us by the loved ones of the residents who make their home with us, as we continue to do everything we can to safeguard their health and wellbeing.

"We have also been heartened at the dedication and selflessness that has been shown by our incredible staff, as we work through what is the greatest challenge we have ever faced in our careers.

“Whilst we do have colleagues who are self-isolating, the home has adequate staffing, and we are fortunate to have full stocks of personal protective equipment.

“We hope that the Government will deliver on its commitment to extend the amount of testing of vulnerable people in care homes as the ability to test ramps up over the next few weeks.

“Regardless, we will continue to care for all of our residents to the very best of our ability during this incredibly challenging time.”

The town’s Conservative MP has defended the government and passed his condolences to the staff

Robert Halfon said: “I have visited the Tye Green Lodge Care Home many times, and it is a wonderful place with outstanding staff who care deeply for the welfare of their residents.

“I pay tribute to the staff member who tragically lost their life, and to all the staff who are working so hard to care for residents. I send my warmest wishes to the families of those who have lost loved ones in recent weeks.

“These deaths are tragic. It is not yet known whether all are due to coronavirus.

“I have spoken directly to the management of the care home group and have written to the care home staff as well. The care home has said that they have the required PPE.

“Over the past few days, I have contacted care homes across Harlow, lending them my support and asking what they need to get through this pandemic. I have regularly asked the Government for support for care homes including on the matters of PPE, testing for staff and residents and timescales.

“Further to the Health Secretary’s announcements of testing for all those who need it in a social care setting, I have written to the Health Minister with regard to the timescale for this testing, extending the scope of testing and financial support for care homes and agencies to cover additional costs incurred at this time.

“The Government has announced a package of support for our care sector including access to more testing, an overhaul of the PPE delivery system, a recruitment drive for social care workers and a symbol of unity for care workers, to ensure they receive the same recognition and benefits as our hardworking NHS staff.

“Changes will also be made to ensure that families can say their final goodbyes to loved ones.”

Epping Forest Guardian:

For more breaking news, local headlines and features, ‘like’ our Facebook page.

We also have a Twitter account: @EppingFGuardian

Follow us to keep up-to-date with news in Epping Forest.