Care home hit by virus

Highgate Care Home in Uddingston this week confirmed that six positive cases of COVID-19 were identified within their care home.

The affected residents were being monitored closely after the revelation on Sunday.

All staff, residents and residents’ families are being informed.

Strict infection control measures have been implemented to minimise the risk of COVID-19 spreading further within the care home.

Dr John Logan, NHS Lanarkshire consultant in public health medicine, said: “We appreciate this is a very worrying time for many people.

“Highgate Care Home has implemented infection prevention and control measures and the NHS Lanarkshire Health Protection Team will continue to provide advice and support to the care home manager and staff. Advice for everyone about reducing the risk of becoming infected with coronavirus and of passing infection to others is available from the NHS Inform website.

“This includes the need to self-isolate for seven days if people develop a new persistent cough or a fever and the importance of personal hygiene including hand washing.”

John Kirk, managing director of Highgate Care Home, said:“the health, safety and wellbeing of our residents and colleagues is of paramount importance. As such, we are committed to doing everything we can to keep them safe.

“We are working closely with all the relevant bodies, including NHS Lanarkshire and Health Protection Scotland, as we implement our comprehensive contingency plan, which includes closing the home to all but absolutely essential visitors, and continuing to take steps to ensure the highest standards of hygiene and infection control.”