FOLLOWING an outbreak of COVID-19, Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership have been working in close partnership with the operators of Alma McFadyen Care Centre in Dalbeattie to ensure all necessary plans and protocols are in place to manage the outbreak.
Very sadly, a total of eight residents at Alma McFadyen have now died where COVID-19 was recorded as being present. In total, 42 positive cases of COVID have been associated with this outbreak.
Thoughts are with the families and with staff at the care home during this difficult time.
A spokesperson for Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership said: “It’s very sad and upsetting that a further two residents of Alma McFadyen have died in the past week where COVID was recorded as being present.
“The situation at the care centre is now much improved, but this does not mitigate the impact on residents and their families, or the extremely dedicated staff and operators who have worked so hard to manage this incredibly difficult situation.”
The outbreak associated with Alma MacFadyen has been managed largely by the care home operator, but additional support has been provided from within the health and social care partnership.
A spokesperson added: “COVID-19 is incredibly infectious, and containing its spread is not at all easy – even when all the correct protocols are in place to address the virus.
“The coronavirus can result in mild symptoms and sometimes none at all, potentially masking its spread to more vulnerable individuals where it can pose a high degree of risk.
“There are no absolute guarantees of protection against COVID-19. Instead, what we have are the best tools currently at our disposal, including correct use of PPE around physical distancing and ensuring good hygiene.
“All of these continue to be essential as we employ the best measures currently available to help reduce the risk as much as possible, and help limit the spread of the virus.”
Everyone is firmly encouraged to follow government guidelines.
It is also 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
- New 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.
