Action Taken at Dumfries Care Home in Response to COVID Cases 

CASES of COVID-19 associated with a care home in the region prompted an immediate response. Admissions and transfers have been suspended at Lochduhar Care Home in Dumfries in response to the identification of cases.  

A multi-disciplinary team is providing support to the care home, with a total of 10 cases across staff and residents.

Very sadly, two residents at Lochduhar Care Home have died within 28 days of a positive COVID test.

Thoughts are with the residents and staff at the care home during this difficult time.

As soon as the outbreak developed, immediate action was taken around implementing a number of additional robust infection control measures including increased testing and an enhanced decontamination schedule.

A spokesman for Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership said: “The operator of this care home has 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 we have noted, following the guidance around the use of PPE such as face coverings, around physical distancing, good hygiene and vaccination continues to be essential as we work to reduce the risk – but these are not by any means absolute guarantees of protection.

“Currently, cases of the coronavirus are still being recorded in high numbers across all four localities in Dumfries and Galloway – Annandale and Eskdale, Nithsdale, Stewartry and Wigtownshire – and there is clear evidence that it is being transmitted within the community.

“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.”