Covid-19 linked after Scottish care home witnesses thirteen deaths in a week

Families have been notified of a possible link to the virus

More than a dozen residents at a Scottish care home have died in a week and their families have been told of a possible link to Covid-19.

A total of 13 people at the Burlington Court care home in Stepps, North Lanarkshire, have died in the past seven days.

None of the patients were tested for Covid-19 as they were not admitted to hospital but their families have been informed of a possible association with the virus.

A total of 13 people at the Burlington Court care home in Stepps, North Lanarkshire, have died in the past seven days.

All of the residents who died had underlying health conditions.

Two staff members at the home are in separate hospitals being treated for coronavirus after testing positive.

A spokeswoman for Four Seasons Health Care, which operates the 90-bed home, said: "With deep sadness, we can confirm that 13 residents at Burlington Care Home have passed away over the past seven days.

"Our condolences are with their families and we are providing them with our ongoing support during this difficult time. The passing of a loved one is always traumatic irrespective of the circumstances.

"Within the home, the focus of the team continues to be the ongoing care and protection of all our residents and our colleagues, two of whom are currently being treated for coronavirus.

"Our strict protocols on infectious diseases are in place, including social distancing, and we are closely monitoring the health of the other residents and colleagues.

"In these exceptional circumstances, we are sincerely grateful for the dedication of our colleagues and can assure our residents and their families that we are putting all our resources and energy into supporting and protecting everyone in our homes."

The home is liaising with public health officials and the Care Inspectorate.

A Care Inspectorate spokesman said: "We are aware of the tragic death of residents at this care home as a result of Covid-19.

"Our thoughts are with the loved ones of those affected as well as the staff and wider community of the home.

"We have been notified of the circumstances and we are in contact with the care service and the local health and social care partnership during this difficult time.

"All of Scotland's social care sector is working under very difficult circumstances to care for people during the pandemic and the Care Inspectorate is doing all it can to support them."