Two Dumfries and Galloway care homes suspend admissions following coronavirus outbreaks

Admissions and transfers have been suspended at two care homes in the region after 24 cases of Covid were reported.

Annan Court Care Home in Annan has 11 cases among staff and residents, while at Castle Douglas’ Carlingwark House there are 13 cases.

Health bosses said a “multi-disciplinary team” including the council and public health are providing support to both homes and “immediate action” was taken as soon as the outbreaks developed.

These include a number of additional robust infection control measures, increased testing and an enhanced decontamination schedule.

Director of Public Health Valerie White said: “A range of mitigations are in place aimed at preventing outbreaks of Covid-19 in care homes.

“However, there has been and continues to be a high prevalence of cases within communities, and vulnerable settings such as care homes are at risk of outbreaks.

“Vaccination has been a game changer in relation to hospitalisations and deaths arising from Covid-19, but as a partnership we work closely with all our care home providers to minimise and monitor any Covid-19 cases associated with care homes.”