Another hundred carers to bolster the fight

More than 100 carers have been taken on by East Ayrshire Council as part of the frontline battle against coronavirus.

The extra staff have been newly recruited, redeployed from other council roles and come from Ayrshire College.

The council has reorganised a number of roles to maintain essential services, which has seen some employees take on the duties of carers.

Carers often look after elderly people who are at a much greater risk of getting severely ill from Covid- 19.

Council leader Douglas Reid said: “These new workers will help ease the pressure our existing home care staff are facing. We can’t thank our home care staff enough. They are helping some of the most vulnerable at this time. It is quite inspiring.

“Folk are self- isolating. There is a great need for home care workers.”

Council chief executive Fiona Lees vowed that local authority personal carers will never have to go without the correct protective equipment.

Commenting on social media, Ms Lees said: “Proud to spend time today with our personal carers. We will never ask them to undertake duties without the correct protection.”

Ms Lees said she is “humbled and inspired” by their work.

Councillor Reid said the council is also keen to provide support to care homes in East Ayrshire.

About 40 per cent of nursing homes across Scotland have reported cases of coronavirus.

Councillor Reid said: “We are working with our care homes. We are trying to help them as much as we can with personal protective equipment.

“We are working with them to make sure they are properly resourced.”

The council also wants to reach out to 3,455 people who are shielding in the area as they are most in danger from Covid- 19. They have been advised to stay in for 12 weeks.

Councillor Reid said: “We are looking to contact everyone of these people to see what help they need.”

They can get help with food or medicine deliveries.

They can call ( 01563) 554400 or email: CustomerServices@ east- ayrshire. gov. uk for help.