A large scale coronavirus outbreak in an Ayr care home has infected 32 people.
Thirteen staff and 19 residents have tested positive for Covid-19 within the Rozelle Holm Farm accommodation.
The Alloway nursing home managed to evade the deadly infection during months of the pandemic but sadly now has confirmed cases.
Forbes Robertson, boss of the home, told the Ayrshire Post: “We lasted from March until the end of October free of coronavirus.
"We are doing our best to support residents.”
Commenting on how highly contagious and prevalent the virus is, businessman Mr Robertson pointed out how even Prince Charles, Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Donald Trump hadn't managed to avoid it.
Health teams from the NHS and South Ayrshire Council are now supporting the privately run residential facility to keep residents and staff safe.
Director of public health Joy Tomlinson said: “NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s Health Protection Team and the South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership are working closely with a care home in South Ayrshire where a number of individuals have either a confirmed or suspected case of coronavirus (COVID-19) infection.
“We appreciate this is a very worrying time.
“However, we would like to assure people that every measure is being taken to protect residents and staff.”
Ms Tomlinson said a team from the council and health board have formed a South Ayrshire Care Home Oversight Group to respond to the pandemic.
She said: “All care homes with outbreaks receive particular support from this group relating to personal protective equipment, workforce issues or wider professional support and the South Ayrshire Group is fully aware of all situations in the local area.
“There are additional well-established supports for the management of any infectious disease in care homes which are provided by NHS Ayrshire & Arran Health Protection Team.
"A representative from this team also takes part in the South Ayrshire Care Home Oversight groups.
“Care homes report concerns to the health protection team about anyone with symptoms and receive support to help them manage and stop any further spread within the Home with additional testing carried out of symptomatic staff or residents in line with national policy.
"The Care Inspectorate also requires to be notified by the care home as does the Health & Social Care Partnership.”
