THE care home where three people died is now open to visitors.

Bury Council has confirmed that Elizabeth House, in Walshaw Road, is no longer in lockdown.

Public health staff have now clarified the causes of death of the residents involved in what was believed to have been a flu outbreak.

A spokesman for Bury Council said: "We cannot confirm that any of the deaths were due to flu.

"One death was reported to us by the home as pneumonia, and the other two residents (while we do not know the cause of death) were being treated with antibiotics for respiratory symptoms."

The home is not taking any new admissions, and residents showing symptoms of illness have been isolated, said a council spokesman.

He added: "On a visit to the home, we tested three residents who were showing flu symptoms.

"One was negative, one was identified as having RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), and we are waiting on the results of a third resident (who was taken to Fairfield Hospital).

"Those who were showing symptoms have been isolated in the home. The home is not taking any new admissions, although relatives can visit: this is not a lockdown."

All residents at the home were given the flu job before Christmas, and all were vaccinated except one who was allergic, the council spokesman added.

A spokesman for the Care Quality Commission said on Thursday that they had been informed there had been a flu outbreak at the home, and were investigating.

The care home has been approached for comment.