The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
St Andrews care home confirms case of Covid-19
Acare home in St Andrews has closed its doors to all but essential visitors following a case of Covid-19.
Managers at Balnacarron Care Home in Hepburn Gardens put the measure in place after a member of staff tested positive in the past week.
The individual in question is said to be asymptomatic and doing well. Bosses said infection control measures had been strengthened to help minimise the risk of transmission to colleagues and residents.
The 33-bed home, which is operated by HC- One, offers residential care and residential memory care for people living with dementia.
HC- One said it was working with public health partners who are helping to carry out testing at the home.
A spokesperson said: “Following one colleague testing positive in routine testing, we are taking the necessary precautions to minimise the risk of transmission to other colleagues and residents.
“This includes closing the home to non-essential visitors and working with public health to facilitate the necessary testing.
“So far, all other tests that have been returned have been negative and no residents are currently showing Covid-related symptoms.
“The affected colleague began iso lat ing immediately following the positive result, and we wish them a speedy recovery.
“We are working closely with our local health and care partners and are in regular contact with the residents’ next of kin to keep them updated on the situation.”
News of the care home’s positive test comes amid wider concern in the town after a number of cases l i n ke d to St Andrews University came to light.
At the weekend, 39 people – students and staff – were confirmed to have tested positive for the virus since the start of September.
Around 350 people are said to be self- isolating either because they have come into contact with a positive case or because they are awaiting test results.