Confirmed Covid-19 cases at an Angus care home have reportedly increased ten-fold among staff there within days.
Following a positive test for one staff member at Fordmill in Montrose, a source has now said 10 employees have been sent home to self-isolate.
It is understood one elderly resident has been hospitalised after contracting the virus.
The home operators, Barchester Healthcare, have not confirmed the reported increase in staff cases, but responded to claims that management had not taken the coronavirus outbreak seriously and that personal protective equipment, particularly gloves, was inadequate.
A spokesman for Barchester, which operates almost 200 homes nationwide, said: “As a large care home company we have a robust supply chain and ensure that, to the best of our ability, we procure the right product for the needs of our staff and residents.
“As such we are confident we are providing our homes, including Fordmill Care Home, the appropriate equipment in the correct quantities. All this equipment is supported by the relevant certification.
“In regards to staffing ,we are adhering to strict procedures in order to protect both them and our residents, and any staff showing symptoms of Covid-19 will be required to self-isolate, as per the Government and public health authority guidelines.
“All our staff are well trained in infection control and vigilant to these symptoms.
“Our priority is the safety and wellbeing of our residents as well as our staff.
“In order to support our staff who are required to self-isolate at home, we have introduced an additional payment on top of statutory sick pay.
“Any additional pay for those who are able to work safely and tirelessly throughout this crisis is simply a recognition of their hard work and the particularly challenging current environment.”
