We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to those who have lost loved ones in these sad circumstances. The safety of residents is paramount and we are continuing to closely monitor the situation in partnership with the care home operators.

Staff from NHS Forth Valley and Falkirk Council have been providing ongoing support and advice to local care home staff since this outbreak began just over a month ago.

All staff and residents were tested to quickly identify anyone who was positive for Covid-19 so that arrangements could be made for them, along with any close contacts, to self-isolate in line with national guidance.

A number of experienced health and care staff from the health board and the council have also been providing support to the care home management team at this difficult time and ensuring that all necessary action is being taken.

Our priority is the health and wellbeing of all at the home and, while everything possible is being done to support the care home, unfortunately Covid-19 is a highly infectious virus which means that containing its spread is not easy even when all appropriate measures are in place.