CASES of COVID associated with a care home in the region have prompted an immediate response. Visiting has been suspended at Belmont Care Home in Stranraer, along with a halt to new admissions.
Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership note that cases of COVID-19 are present right across the region, but regular testing is taking place for staff and residents at care homes.
In response to the identification of ten cases among staff and residents at Belmont Care Home, a multi-disciplinary team established through the Health and Social Care Partnership is providing advice and support to the care home operators.
Visiting has been suspended at Belmont Care Home, and no new admissions will take place at this time while the situation is investigated.
The care home is operated by the charity St Philips Care, and a spokesman for the organisation said: “As soon as the outbreak developed, we took immediate action halting visits and implementing a number of additional robust infection control measures including increased testing and an ongoing decontamination schedule.
“As we have done throughout the pandemic, we’re continuing to work closely with the Local Authority and Public Health teams to ensure that we are taking all necessary steps to protect everyone within the home and provide any additional support needed.”
Cases of COVID have remained stubbornly high in Dumfries and Galloway over recent weeks, and have been identified right across the region.
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 indoor public areas and on public transport, together with vaccination and regular testing can help prevent the spread of coronavirus and protect ourselves, our loved ones, neighbours, colleagues and communities.
