A care home resident has died after catching coronavirus, as it is confirmed other residents at the home are displaying potential symptoms.

The woman, who passed away yesterday aged 87, was living at Gavin Astor House, which is part of the Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) Village, in Aylesford.

She was described as possessing a "spirit of adventure" and the RBLI said her loss is "keenly felt by staff and residents alike."

A "small number" of other residents are exhibiting mild symptoms of coronavirus, and the situation is being closely monitored, the RBLI said.

A worker at a company in the village, which employs veterans, has also tested positive and is on paid sick leave.

A spokesman for RBLI said: "It is with a heavy heart that Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) can confirm a resident of Gavin Astor House sadly passed away in hospital on Monday, with a positive diagnosis of Covid-19.

"She was one of the home’s characters and her loss is being keenly felt by staff and residents alike"

"The resident was a very sociable member of the home, in normal times enjoying taking part in the range of activities and she enjoyed nothing more than sitting in the home’s reception area greeting and welcoming staff members and visitors to the home and engaging in a lively discussion.

"Despite her age, and underlying conditions, she was full of life and a spirit of adventure.

"She was one of the home’s characters and her loss is being keenly felt by staff and residents alike.

"The RBLI welfare team has been in touch with the resident’s family, offering our support and condolences at this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers go to their friends and family.

"Currently there are a small number of other Gavin Astor House residents exhibiting potential COVID-19 symptoms.

"All of these symptoms are mild, and our dedicated care team is closely monitoring their situations and consulting with relevant health professionals as required. We are working to ensure our staff are fully supported and have all the personal protective equipment they need to care for the residents and themselves.

"We are also providing food and support and advice to keep our staff physically and emotionally strong during this difficult time.

"We understand these cases are isolated to Gavin Astor House and are taking every measure to protect the wellbeing of the homes’ residents and staff.

"We have been made aware one other person in our manufacturing division, Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company, has had a positive COVID-19 swab test and is currently at home on paid sick leave.

"Since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, RBLI has worked closely with relevant health bodies, following all guidance, and put in place strict protocols and social distancing practices to ensure we can best protect the wellbeing of our charity’s beneficiaries and care staff.

"In these unprecedented times, we are immensely grateful to our dedicated care team who continue to provide crucial support to the residents of Gavin Astor House. We want to reassure the residents, and their families, that we are doing all we can to protect the wellbeing of those we support and care for.

"We have set up an email address, supportcarers@rbli.co.uk, where we want to encourage members of the public to send notes of support and encouragement to our phenomenal care teams during this challenging time."

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