A SUSPECTED coronavirus outbreak in Paisley has claimed the lives of 11 residents in the last fortnight.

Bosses at Elderslie Residential and Nursing Care Home say a futher 13 residents are also displaying symptoms consistent with COVID-19.

Advinia Health Care, who run the home, say their prioritu is now the "safety and wellbeing" of the remaining 106 residents at the home.

A spokeswoman for the firm said: “We are greatly saddened to confirm that in the 14 days since the beginning of April, 11 residents have fallen ill and subsequently passed away with symptoms consistent with coronavirus disease.

“Every death is a great loss and our most sincere condolences go to each resident’s family and friends – they are all in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time."

READ MORE: Two dead after East Kilbride care home coronavirus outbreak with two more suspected cases

They added: “Sadly, like hundreds of care homes across the country, we are now seeing an increase in cases of COVID-19 as the virus reaches its peak.

"As of today, there are currently 13 residents in the home who are displaying symptoms consistent with the virus and they are being barrier nursed by our dedicated and compassionate teams. None of these residents has been confirmed as having the virus.

"We are following strict infection control protocols as provided by Health Protection Scotland (HPS).

"This is in addition to our own existing infection control measures including proper hand-washing techniques, additional training for staff and the provision of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required.

"Our highest priority now is the safety and wellbeing of the 106 residents who have made Elderslie their home and also that of our selfless staff who are working tirelessly to help some of the most vulnerable members of our community.

“Once again, we send our deepest condolences to the families who have lost someone dear to them – we are grieving with you.”

It comes as new figures today revealed around a quarter of deaths involving coronavirus in Scotland have been in care homes.

National Records of Scotland (NRS) figures covering the start of the outbreak until Sunday April 12 have registered 962 fatalities with COVID-19 mentioned in the death certificate.

Of these, 237 (24.6%) were in care homes, 596 (62%) were in hospitals, 128 (13.3%) were in homes or other places listed as non-institutions and one was listed as other.

The NRS figures are published weekly, in contrast to the daily figures released by Health Protection Scotland (HPS), which only count laboratory confirmations of coronavirus and recorded 699 deaths as of Wednesday.

READ MORE: Five elderly residents die at Drumchapel care home after suspected coronavirus outbreak

A total of 608 deaths relating to Covid-19 were registered between April 6 and April 12, more than double the figure of 282 registered between March 30 and April 5, according to the NRS.

The First Minister said 433 care homes have recorded a case of Covid-19 since the beginning of the outbreak and the Scottish Government is working with partners to ensure workers and residents are supported.

She said all symptomatic patients in care homes will now be tested as it important to reassure residents, staff and the wider public but stressed she “did not have evidence” bringing this measure in earlier would have prevented deaths.

Ms Sturgeon added: “This shouldn’t need said but I want to say it – the residents of care homes matter every bit as much to us as people in the community or in hospital.”

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