Following an outbreak of COVID-19 at Fleet Valley Care Home in Gatehouse of Fleet, the care home operators and Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership have been working in close partnership to ensure all necessary plans and protocols are in place to manage the outbreak.
Very sadly, following an initial death, a further four residents have now died where COVID was recorded as being present. This brings the total to five.
A total of 16 residents and 28 staff at Fleet Valley Care Home have tested positive for COVID-19.
A spokesman for Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership said: “This has been a very difficult situation, but we would note and give credit to the dedication of the operators of Fleet Valley and their extremely dedicated staff in their response.
“The highly infectious nature of COVID-19 means that containing its spread has not been easy. Once again, we have seen the coronavirus demonstrating just how highly-transmissible it is, even when it is being met with all the correct protocols.
“COVID-19 can result in mild symptoms, and sometimes none at all, and this can mask its spread to more vulnerable individuals where it can pose a high degree of risk.
“Following the guidance around the use of PPE (including face coverings), around physical distancing and good hygiene continues to be essential as we work to reduce the risk – but as has been noted these are not by any means absolute guarantees of protection.
“These tools are simply the best measures currently available to help reduce the risk as much as possible, and help limit the spread of the coronavirus which we know is present across all four localities in Dumfries and Galloway – Annandale and Eskdale, Nithsdale, Stewartry and Wigtownshire – and with evidence that it is being transmitted within the community.
“Everyone is firmly encouraged to adhere to these directions. It is essential that anyone experiencing any of the following symptoms of COVID immediately self-isolates and arranges to be tested, and that they continue to self-isolate until they obtain a result:
- Raised temperature
- Continuous cough
Change to or loss of sense of taste and/or smell.
“The symptoms of COVID-19 can be mild, but this does not reduce the level of risk to others from what can be a deadly virus. If in any doubt at all, please immediately self-isolate, arrange to be tested and work with our Test and Protect team to help limit any further spread.
“The responsibility rests with every one of us to do our part to try and limit the spread of coronavirus, and protect ourselves, our loved ones, neighbours, colleagues and communities.”
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