VERY high numbers of COVID cases continue to be recorded in communities right across Dumfries and Galloway – and several care homes in the region have been affected.
Work is continuing to take place between Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership and care home operators.
In addition to continuing to work with the operators of Alma McFadyen House in Dalbeattie, Annan Court Care Home in Annan, Carlingwark House in Castle Douglas, Dryfemount Care Home in Lockerbie, and Merse House in Kirkcudbright, the partnership has been working with the operators of Allanbank Care Home in Dumfries, Bankfoot House in Moffat, and Queensberry Care Home in Sanquhar.
As of today, 24 positive COVID-19 cases have been recorded among residents at Annan Court, 10 at Carlingwark House, 15 at Merse House, 12 at Dryfemount, 10 at Allanbank, 7 at Alma McFadyen, 7 at Queensberry and 6 at Bankfoot.
Very sadly, a further six deaths have been recorded among care home residents within 28 days of testing positive for COVID. Thoughts are with the residents and staff at the care homes during this difficult time.
The operators at care homes experiencing outbreaks have been faced with a challenging and difficult situation, but full credit is due to them and their very dedicated staff for the responses that have been mounted.
COVID-19 is very highly infectious, which means that containing its spread is not easy – even when it is being met with all the correct protocols, including regular testing and vaccinations.
The coronavirus 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.
As has been noted, following the guidance around the use of PPE such as face coverings, around physical distancing, good hygiene and vaccination continues to be essential. But, though these are having a significant impact in restricting the spread of infection and preventing severe illness, they are not by any means absolute guarantees of protection.
It is essential that anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID self-isolate and arrange to be tested.
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 everyone to do their part to try and limit the spread of coronavirus, and protect ourselves, our loved ones, neighbours, colleagues and communities.
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