A Perthshire care home has been forced back into lockdown after a member of staff tested positive for coronavirus.
The independent Northlands Manor at Blairgowrie has closed its doors to all but staff and essential visitors as bosses take steps to prevent an outbreak.
Management have been praised for their swift action.
It comes just days after a member of staff at Dorward House in Montrose tested positive for the virus, forcing residents to stay locked down in their rooms.
Northlands, which specialises in dementia care, has capacity for up to 49 elderly residents.
A spokeswoman said: “Northlands Care Home in Blairgowrie can confirm that following its routine weekly testing of all staff, it has identified one staff member who has tested positive for coronavirus.
“Our colleague is currently isolating at home in line with guidance from Public Health Scotland, and in addition the close contacts of the staff member have been traced and they too have been asked to isolate in line with the guidance.”
She said: “The staff member had not shown any symptoms of Covid prior to testing and has still not developed any symptoms.
“They were identified only by our very strict Covid infection control measures which include weekly testing for all staff regardless of symptoms.”
The spokeswoman said the home continued to follow best practice for infection control.
For the time being all social visits will be replaced with video calls, and only staff and essential visitors will be permitted into the care home in person.
Action taken by the care home has been praised by local SNP MSP John Swinney. “I am pleased that Northlands Care Home has followed the public health guidance, and that the test and protect system has seemingly worked to good effect,” he said.
“This is another reminder that, although we are making significant progress, the virus is still with us and is still an imminent threat to our health.
“To that end, I would encourage all individuals and employees to continue to follow the Scottish Government guidance.”
An NHS Tayside spokeswoman said: “NHS Tayside’s Health Protection Team is working closely with this care home to provide advice and support, including infection prevention and control.”
