Carer fired from Scottish care home after failing to self-isolate knowing his family had symptoms

A carer who worked at a care home with current suspected coronavirus cases has been sacked for failing to self-isolate after knowing his immediate family have COVID-19 symptoms.

A carer has been sacked for continuing to work knowing his immediate family have COVID-19 symptoms.

The man, who was working at the Kingswells Care Home in Aberdeen at the time, was reported to the police following concerns he was continuing to work despite knowing his family were self-isolating with symptoms.

Under current government guidelines, he should have remained at home in self-isolation for 14 days.

The man, who was working at the Kingswells Care Home in Aberdeen at the time, was reported to the police following concerns he was continuing to work despite knowing his family were self-isolating with symptoms.

It has been reported the care home in question is dealing with a current outbreak of suspected cases.

After police informed the home, Aberdeen Nursing Agency, which was responsible for hiring the carer, said he was dismissed “immediately.”

A spokeswoman for the agency said the carer has not contracted COVID-19 and his behaviour has been a “huge disappointment” to the company.

She said: “Aberdeen Nursing Agency can confirm a Carer, employed by us, continued to work whilst knowing that his immediate family were in self-isolation, with COVID-19 symptoms. The carer did not report their situation, to either Aberdeen Nursing Agency or the Care Home

“On the day in question, the Carer was placed at Kingswells Care Home, and was immediately removed as soon as we became aware of the situation. As this individual did not follow the clear Government guidelines, in regard to social distancing and self-isolation, they were immediately dismissed.

“I can confirm that while this individual should have been following the Government guidelines, they have not contracted COVID-19, to date.

“This has been a huge disappointment to Aberdeen Nursing Agency and we feel that this does not fairly represent the hundreds of Care staff on the frontline who are continuing to deliver care to the most vulnerable in our society, whilst putting themselves at risk but obeying the clear government guidelines regarding social distancing and self-isolation.​”

A police spokesman said: "On Saturday, 4 April, 2020, Police Scotland received a report of a care home worker in the Aberdeen area allegedly not adhering to social distancing guidelines. This information was passed to the relevant employer for their assessment and consideration."