A north-east care home has been locked down after a staff member tested positive for coronavirus.
Banff Care Home has closed its doors to all but staff and essential visitors to prevent an outbreak of the virus spreading into the community.
The Colleonard Road facility, owned by Livingstone-based Dawnside Developements, provides long-term care for up to 50 residents.
The firm’s operations director, Matthew Walker, said: “We can confirm that a single member of staff at Banff Care Home has tested positive for Covid-19, we believe this to be an isolated case.
“We have followed Health Protection Scotland’s advice on the matter, and continue to rigorously adhere to the guidelines in place regarding personal protective equipment and infection control.
“Weekly staff testing is in place at the care home.”
The home had been welcoming visits to an outdoor gazebo area since restrictions were eased in July, but bosses withdrew that option on Friday for 28 days.
During that time, all social visits will be replaced with video calls, and most visits will be banned.
Mr Walker added: “Unfortunately this means that outdoor visiting has been suspended in line with Scottish Government guidelines. We know this will be disappointing for our residents and their families, however their safety is our top priority at all times.
“We would like to use this opportunity to thank our frontline care staff for their exceptional efforts during this pandemic.”
In May, during the peak of the crisis, the disease was responsible for the death of four residents in Crimond House Care Home and multiple more in Kirkburn Court Care Home in Peterhead.
This is the first positive case at Banff Care Home.
A spokesperson for NHS Grampian added: “We are aware of the situation and are supporting the care home’s management.”
