More than 30 people test positive for coronavirus at care home

More than 30 people have tested positive for coronavirus following an outbreak at a care home in South Ayrshire.

Rozelle Holm Farm in Ayr had been Covid-free since March, but is now fighting to contain the spread of the virus.

It is understood at least 13 staff and 19 residents have been affected.

Forbes Robertson, the private home’s boss, told STV News: “We have been Covid-free since march and have done our [utmost] to make sure that all residents are as safe as possible.

“We can confirm that the home has now been hit with Covid and there are a number of residents and staff who have tested positive, and we are doing our level [best] to keep everyone’s spirits up at such an awful time.”

Mr Robertson said the home was immediately locked down at the start of the pandemic.

Visitors were banned from the building and relatives were urged to stay in touch with residents via phone and video calls.

Highlighting how prevalent Covid-19 is, Mr Robertson pointed out how Prince Charles, the Duke of Cambridge, Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Donald Trump also failed to avoid it.

He added: “This virus is not going away anytime soon. However, our priority is to make sure the [residents are] looked after to the best of our ability.”

The home is continuing to implement high infection control measures and is working with health teams from NHS Ayrshire and Arran and South Ayrshire Council.

Joy Tomlinson, joint director of public health, said: “NHS Ayrshire and Arran’s health protection team and the South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership are working closely with a care home in South Ayrshire where a number of individuals have either a confirmed or suspected case of coronavirus infection.

“We appreciate this is a very worrying time. However, we would like to assure people that every measure is being taken to protect residents and staff.”