A care home resident has become the second in a week to die after catching coronavirus there, with the virus spreading to others in the complex as well.

The man, who passed away over the Easter weekend aged 70 and had significant underlying health conditions, lived at Gavin Astor House, which is part of the Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) Village, in Aylesford.

An 89-year-old resident died after catching the virus on April 6.

Two other residents have tested positive for the virus and are being treated in Maidstone Hospital. They are not on ventilators and are "doing well", according to the RBLI.

RBLI confirmed that six residents are exhibiting "mild" coronavirus symptoms and are being cared for in the home.

However, a 79-year-old man who lives at the home and tested positive has recovered and is being cared for in hospital while he recuperates. He was admitted on April 9.

The care home has secured access to tests for staff, although it is not known whether that has started.

It was confirmed last week that a worker at a company in the village, which employs veterans, has also tested positive and is on paid sick leave. His current condition is not known.

A spokesperson for the RBLI said: "It is our sad duty to confirm a second resident of Gavin Astor House sadly passed away in hospital over the Easter weekend.

"He had been at Gavin Astor House for almost seven years and was dearly loved by all care staff and will be sadly missed.

"As has been the case since the pandemic began our care workers closely observe the health and wellbeing of all residents and consult regularly with relevant health professionals, including Public Health England.

"Additionally, and in line with the Government's latest announcement, we are pleased to have secured access to local Covid-19 tests for our staff.

'He had been at Gavin Astor House for almost seven years and was dearly loved by all care staff and will be sadly missed'

"These will be carried out as regularly as possible to ensure staff have the peace of mind to return to the job they love when the required period of isolation has passed.

"We are also awaiting further information regarding the availability of swab testing for residents.

"Last week RBLI received a delivery of PPE and we continue to make sure all staff are fully equipped, confident and well supported; we will ensure PPE stocks are maintained at a suitable level.

"Everyone associated with Gavin Astor House have been hit hard by the loss of two of our long term popular residents and we are all grateful and sincerely proud of their sterling work over these last few weeks.

"The response has been fantastic to the email address that was established recently to allow people to send messages of support to our staff and residents so please continue to send your notes through to supportcarers@rbli.co.uk."

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