COVID-19 outbreak at care home despite vaccines

A Perth care home has confirmed an outbreak of positive coronavirus cases at its facility despite the majority of residents and staff recently receiving vaccinations.

At least two residents have tested positive for COVID-19 at Ochil Care Home on Ettrick Drive, which has room for around 80 residents.

The PA understands that some staff at the Barchester Healthcareoperated facility have tested positive, but that no one has died from the outbreak.

Barchester announced in early March last year that visitors to the two-storey care home, which also runs homes in Angus and Fife, would no longer be allowed unless granted special permission.

A Barchester Healthcare spokesperson said most are recovering well with only“mild symptoms”and will continue to support everyone in making as full a recovery as possible.

They added:“We can confirm that we have had individuals tested positive with COVID-19 at Ochil Care Home.

“We respect the privacy of our residents and staff in all matters and will not be commenting on specific cases but would like to reassure residents and families that we are continuing to do everything we can to keep our residents and staff safe and well.

“The general manager and her team is working closely with the Care Inspectorate, Health Protection Scotland and Infection Control teams, all of whom are happy with the procedures in place at the home.”

The PA was told earlier this week by the care home that the vast majority of residents and staff have been given their first vaccine jab and that the rollout has raised spirits.

A spokesperson added:“The vaccine rollout has lifted everyone’s spirits and we are sure these vaccinations are a major step towards our homes being filled with the buzz of visitors once again.

“We are glad to say that as of February 4, 90 per cent of our residents and 86 per cent of our staff at Ochil Care Home had been vaccinated with at least the first part of the COVID-19 vaccine and this will hopefully help protect everyone at the home.

“Most are recovering well with only mild symptoms presenting and we will continue to support everyone.”