Police issue Covid fines after birthday party at Sunderland care home

Northumbria Police said its officers attended the Marquis Court care home twice on Saturday, February 20, once at 8.30pm and again at 11pm after they were alerted to suspected Covid breaches.

The force has confirmed five fines were issued following inquiries.

The Echo understands that a staff member's birthday was being celebrated at the home, in Tunstall Village Road, where earlier in the day there had also been a special celebration to mark an elderly resident's birthday.

An investigation has now been launched and the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the independent regulator of health and adult social care in England, has confirmed it is liaising with the care home after being made aware of the incident.

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “We can confirm that at about 8.30pm on Saturday (February 20) we were alerted to a suspected Covid breach at a premises on Tunstall Village Road.

“Upon attending the premises, officers found a number of people inside, and it was established a birthday party was being held.

“Five fines were issued.

“We would ask everyone continues to follow the government restrictions and where appropriate we are committed to taking enforcement action to protect our communities.”

Marquis Court was rated as ‘good’ in its last CQC inspection and provides care and accommodation for up to 47 people.

A spokesman for Sunderland City Council said: “The City Council is working with the care home, supporting them to carry out their own investigation. We are also making sure that they are aware of the requirements set out in the Government guidance and are following these.

"It is important that everyone continues to follow the current Government restrictions which are in place to keep us all safe.”

The Echo has contacted the care home, which did not wish to issue an official comment at this time.

A spokesman for the CQC said: “We are liaising with the provider and local authority about the issues raised and continue to monitor the service closely to ensure residents are safe.”

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