The number of Covid-19 cases identified at a Fife care home rapped for weak prevention measures has risen to 37.
Health chiefs said a further 12 members of staff and residents at Craigie House Care Home in Crossgates had tested positive for the virus, six days after 25 people were identified.
Visiting at the home, which is privately run by Kingdom Homes, remains suspended.
NHS Fife’s health protection team and Fife health and social care partnership have been working closely with Fife Council’s environmental health department to support the management and offer advice to reduce further transmission of the virus.
An NHS spokesperson said: “It is extremely important that those intending to visit residents in any care home refrain from doing so if they feel unwell or have any of the known symptoms of Covid-19, such as a high temperature; a new, continuous cough; or a loss or change to the sense of smell or taste.”
News of the outbreak comes just a few weeks after management at Craigie House were told to make urgent improvements after the Care Inspectorate rated its performance during the Covid-19 pandemic as “weak”.
That came after an unannounced inspection at the end of August raised serious concerns about infection control practices, including the need for enhanced cleaning schedules and for visitors to have their temperatures recorded and to fill out a medical questionnaire before entry.
Kingdom Homes, which can provide care for up to 30 people at Craigie House, said all the requirements would be met ahead of a follow-up inspection.
