An elderly man in an Angus Council-run care home is among the area’s latest Covid-19 fatalities.
At least one other resident at Kinloch care centre in Carnoustie is also believed to be seriously ill with coronavirus, with an unknown number of staff self-isolating after showing symptoms.
A staff member is also understood to be seriously ill.
The man, who was in his 80s and suffered from other health issues, is understood to have passed away within days of taking ill with respiratory problems.
He had not been tested for coronavirus and was not hospitalised prior to his death.
Kinloch has 16 beds offering long-term and respite care, with communal facilities.
It has been described as being in complete lockdown, with residents remaining in their rooms. No new admissions are being allowed.
The care home source criticised what they believed was a lack of guidance to staff in dealing with the pandemic, and inadequate PPE provision.
Similar concerns have previously been raised in relation to other Tayside homes which have encountered Covid-19 outbreaks.
“They are doing their best but they were not given proper direction in the early stages on how to handle this,” said the source.
“We hear so many reports of PPE being inadequate, which I think was the case here. They are getting PPE, but it’s too late.
“I feel so sorry for the staff because they are under a lot of pressure and they have been badly let down.
“It is extremely distressing for families who are not able to see their loved ones, who can go downhill very quickly when they have other conditions such as dementia.”
A spokesman for Angus Health and Social Care Partnership said: “While we must respect the privacy of residents and staff, we can sadly confirm that a resident at Kinloch Care Centre in Carnoustie died recently as result of a respiratory condition.
“A small number of residents have tested positive for Covid-19 and are receiving appropriate treatment in isolation as required.
“A small number of staff have also tested positive for the virus and are self-isolating at home while they recover. All necessary precautions are being taken and the care centre is closed to admissions until further notice.”
The last Care Inspectorate report of Kinloch in November 2018 described the home as having a “warm and relaxed” atmosphere, highlighting its strong links to the local community.
Care of residents and support for their wellbeing were both rated as good by inspectors.
