CASES of COVID-19 at a care home in the Dalbeattie, Dumfries and Galloway are giving rise for concern, and are being monitored very closely.
A range of infection prevention measures are in place at Alma McFadyen Care Centre on Mill Street in Dalbeattie.
A spokesman for Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership said: “Minimising risk to the most vulnerable people in our communities has been our priority throughout the ongoing COVID pandemic.
“At present there is a degree of concern over a number of cases of COVID-19 among residents and staff at Alma McFadyen Care Centre in Dalbeattie. Regular testing takes place at all care homes within the region, but this highly transmissible virus can still pose a risk despite regular testing and the correct protocols being observed.
“All visits and admissions to the home have been suspended at Alma McFadyen in response to the outbreak. A number of additional robust infection prevention measures are being implemented to help stem transmission of the virus.
“We are continuing to offer our full support to the team at Alma McFadyen Care Centre and everyone affected by this challenging situation.”
A spokesman for Alma McFadyen Care Centre said: “‘All the staff have worked tirelessly over the year to keep the Alma family safe and it is extremely distressing to everyone that COVID has now found its way through our front door.
“At such times, families gain strength by coming together and that is exactly what we are doing and will continue to do until our home is back to normal.”
In line with the rest of Scotland, confirmed cases of COVID have increased in Dumfries and Galloway over recent weeks.
It is essential that anyone who experiences an increased temperature, continuous cough and loss of or changes to sense of taste and/or smell immediately self-isolates and arranges to be tested for COVID. Self-isolation is crucial until a result is provided, so as to ensure that any further spread of the coronavirus is limited.
No one should be blamed for developing COVID, but it is everyone’s responsibility to minimise the risk and to immediately take the correct action if they become symptomatic.
Maintaining good hand hygiene, wearing a face covering in shops and on public transport, keeping a distance from others and not meeting up in each others’ households can help prevent the spread of coronavirus and protect ourselves, our loved ones, neighbours, colleagues and communities.
