Coronavirus: Thirteen Glasgow care home residents die in one week

Thirteen residents at a Glasgow care home have died in one week following a suspected outbreak of coronavirus.

Staff at Burlington Court Care Home, Cranhill, said they were "closely monitoring" the health of other people in their care and that "strict protocols" were in place.

All of the deceased residents had underlying health conditions and their families have been made aware.

Two staff members have tested positive and are being treated in hospital.

As first reported in The Scottish Sun, the care home said tests were not carried out on residents as they were only carried out when people were admitted to hospital.

A Four Seasons Health Care spokeswoman 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."

She said strict protocols on infectious diseases were in place, including social distancing, and staff were "closely monitoring" the health of other residents and workers.

"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," she added.

A Scottish government spokesperson said: "Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those affected as well as the staff and wider community.

"These are unprecedented times and our social care sector is working under very challenging circumstances to care for people during the pandemic.

"The social care sector plays a vital role in supporting people to live well in their homes or in a homely setting and we will do everything we can to support the sector to provide people with the support they need."

On Twitter, Nicola Sturgeon said her thoughts were with the care home residents and the families of those who have died.

Rev Muriel Pearson, minister of Cranhill Parish Church, has said her congregation will be "desperately shocked and saddened" by the deaths.

She said members have been visiting residents of Burlington Care Home since it was built.

"We are all thinking of the staff and residents of one of the best care homes where the staff are great and treat the residents like family," she added.

"In days to come we will be able to mourn together and to celebrate the sacrificial caring offered by social care staff and medical staff."

The Care Inspectorate have been made aware of the deaths and are in contact with the care service, as well as the local health and social care partnership.

A spokesperson 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 the staff and wider community of the home.

"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."