A total of seven residents have lost their lives at a Scots care home at the centre of a major coronavirus outbreak.
NHS Lothian today confirmed the tragic rise in deaths at the Redmill Care Home in West Lothian where a cluster of confirmed cases among residents and staff has been identified.
We previously reported on Tuesday that 53 people at the site had tested positive for the deadly bug, with three people believed to have died at that point.
The current total number of cases has not been revealed at this time.
A crisis team was set up when the outbreak was initially identified and the home was closed to visitors.
All residents were isolated and additional testing was introduced as a response.
Dr Richard Othieno, Public Health Consultant, NHS Lothian and Chair of the Incident Management Team said: “We are working closely with the care home, West Lothian Health and Social Care Partnerships (HSCP) and the Care Inspectorate to provide all the support necessary which includes guidance from West Lothian HSCP’s Care Home Support Team.
“Early action to isolate residents and begin enhanced testing has enabled us to identify positive cases before they become symptomatic.
“Even without an outbreak, and without showing any of the classic symptoms of Covid-19, residents in this care home are tested if they appear at all unwell or not their usual selves.
"As in all care homes, staff are routinely tested weekly through the UK national testing portal. This vigilance and the early introduction of enhanced infection control measures gives the best chance of limiting the spread of infection.
"Repeat rounds of testing of residents and staff is continuing and the situation is being monitored very closely.
“This outbreak is a reminder that even if you do not yet have symptoms, you can still have COVID-19 and that is why self-isolation is crucial as soon as you have been in contact with a confirmed case.
“As part of the infection control measures, the home was closed to visitors.
"We know this is difficult for residents and their relatives, but it is necessary to ensure the outbreaks are brought under control as quickly as possible and we thank relatives for their co-operation and understanding."
