Following an outbreak of COVID-19, Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership have been working in close partnership with the operators of Belmont Care Home in Stranraer to ensure all necessary plans and protocols are in place to manage the outbreak.
Very sadly, within the past week two residents at Belmont have died where COVID-19 was recorded as being present.
Thoughts are with the families and with staff at the care home during this difficult time.
Currently, a total of 12 positive COVID-19 cases have been recorded across residents and staff.
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 very 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 use of PPE such as face coverings, around social, 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 with evidence that it is being transmitted within the community.
“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
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.
“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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