At least two deaths linked to coronavirus have been confirmed at a Dundee care home.
The residents, although not tested for the virus, passed away recently at Forebank Care Home in the Hilltown.
A staff member at the Forebank Road residence said the home, run by Brookesbay Care Group, would not comment on anything regarding coronavirus.
When asked for additional information or a statement from the home, they did not provide one.
However, a spokesperson for the Care Inspectorate said the virus is believed to have been a factor, although they did not confirm the number of deaths.
He added: “We are aware of the tragic deaths of residents at this care home as a result of suspected cases 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 tirelessly under very difficult circumstances to care for people during the pandemic and the Care Inspectorate is doing all it can to support them.”
The company stopped “non essential” visits to both Forebank Care Home and its other Dundee home, McGonagall House, on March 16 to protect staff and residents.
Twelve-bed Forebank Care Home specialises in care for dementia sufferers and elderly people who suffer from alcohol related brain damage who can no longer live at home.
It comes after a resident died recently of suspected coronavirus and two staff members and one resident tested positive at Redwood House care home in Broughty Ferry.
Yesterday it was also revealed six residents and eight staff members at Pitkerro Care Centre in Dundee had tested positive, while Montrose’s Fordmill Nursing Home has a single confirmed case.
It was confirmed this week that “suspected” deaths outside of hospitals are now being included in official statistics by the Scottish Government.
Deaths in care homes and elsewhere in the community were not previously included because of a lack of testing outside clinical settings.
Much of the care industry believes it is better for the wellbeing of residents with suspected coronavirus to remain in homes, rather than be treated in hospital.
