Covid-19 outbreak at Fife care home

A total of 11 residents within Auchtermairnie Care Home have tested positive for Covid-19. A further 22 staff and other individuals linked to the care home have also tested positive for the virus.

NHS Fife reported a small number of deaths among the care home residents who tested positive for Covid-19. The exact number of those who have died at the home after contracting Covid-19 is too small to release for reasons of confidentiality, however, NHS Fife confirmed on Monday that the number is less than five.

NHS Fife’s Health Protection Team and the Fife Health and Social Care Partnership have been working alongside Fife Council’s Environmental Health Service to support the management of the care home and offer advice to reduce further transmission of the virus.

NHS Fife director of public health, Dona Milne, said: “Our hearts go out to the families of those who have lost loved ones at this most difficult of times.

“Fife’s Health Protection Team, alongside colleagues from the Fife Health and Social Care Partnership and Fife Council’s Environmental Health Service, are working to provide the management of the home with the support and advice necessary to prevent the virus from spreading further, and to help maintain the standard of care for all residents in the home.”

Councillor David Alexander said he was “gutted” about the news, adding: “My thoughts are with everyone caught up in it, particularly those who have suffered bereavement.

“It is even more heart-rending because this is a well run care Home.

“However, this virus respects no-one. Whilst our thoughts are with those fighting the consequences of the outbreak the message needs to be reinforced to everyone to take the utmost care as we move into the holiday period. Please listen to the guidance and take no chances.”

Anyone experiencing Covid-19 symptoms should self-isolate and arrange a test using www.nhsinform.scot or by calling 0800 028 2816.