A number of residents at a care home in the Falkirk area have died after testing positive for coronavirus. The outbreak, at Caledonian Court care home in Larbert, is being managed in partnership by an Incident Management Team led by NHS Forth Valley and the home’s owners, Care UK. All appropriate support measures have been taken and strict infection control measures are in place. To respect and maintain confidentiality no further details will be given.

NHS Forth Valley’s Consultant in Public Health Medicine, Dr Jennifer Champion, said: “We 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. Other residents who have tested positive are isolating and further tests are being carried out on both staff and residents within the care home.”

Care UK’s Regional Director Elizabeth McKeegan said: “We would like to send our condolences to the families and friends of residents who have passed away over the past few days. My team at the care home is working tirelessly to support residents and each other at this difficult time.

“I’d like to reassure everyone that we are doing everything in our power to keep people safe and comfortable. We have provided additional support from experienced senior managers and we have all the necessary PPE as well as other measures like deep cleaning. We would like to thank colleagues working in the home and the team at NHS Forth Valley for their expertise and ongoing support.”

Dr Champion added: “We would like to take the opportunity to remind everyone of the importance of following the national guidance to minimise the risk of Covid-19 to themselves and others. This includes physical distancing indoors and outdoors, washing your hands regularly, using hand gel where appropriate and arranging to get tested immediately if any symptoms appear.”