Coronavirus: Care homes in Prestwick, Paisley and Peterhead see 32 deaths

Three Scottish care homes have seen a total of 32 deaths this month following suspected Covid-19 outbreaks.

Berelands Care Home in Prestwick confirmed 16 residents have died since 4 April.

Earlier, it emerged 11 residents at Elderslie Nursing Home in Paisley and five at Wyndwell Nursing Home in Peterhead have also died.

Official figures show a quarter of Scotland's coronavirus deaths have now occurred in care homes.

Previous care home outbreaks have resulted in the deaths of residents at Burlington Court Care Home, Cranhill; Almond Court in Drumchapel; and Castle View Care Home in Dumbarton.

Berelands Care Home confirmed four of the residents who died tested positive for Covid-19 while 12 are suspected to have died of symptoms related to the virus.

Two further residents have tested positive and are being cared for at the home.

A spokesman for the home said: "Our deepest sympathies are with the bereaved families at this very difficult time and we offer them our continued support.

"We are working tirelessly to care for the residents in our home and we continue to follow all government guidance.

"Our team are all trained in infection prevention and control, including utilising the correct level of PPE for the protection of both residents and themselves."

Advinia Health Care, the operators of Elderslie Care Home, said 13 other patients were displaying symptoms and were being "barrier nursed".

Meanwhile, seven residents at Wyndwell Nursing Home in Peterhead are also showing symptoms.

Operators Renaissance Care said three members of staff had tested positive and were self isolating.

As first reported in The Scottish Sun, none of the residents showing symptoms in Paisley have been confirmed to have the virus.

A spokesman said the facility was following Health Protection Scotland's infection control protocol, as well as its own existing measures including the provision of PPE.

He 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.

"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.

"We send our deepest condolences to the families who have lost someone dear to them - we are grieving with you."

The Care Inspectorate confirmed it was aware of the deaths as a result of suspected Covid-19 and was in contact with the care service and the local health and social care partnership.

A spokesperson added: "Our thoughts are with the loved ones of those affected as well as the staff and wider community of the home.

"All of Scotland's social care sector is working tirelessly under very difficult circumstances to care for people during the pandemic and the Care Inspectorate is doing all it can to support them."

In response to the Peterhead deaths, Renaissance Care said: "Despite the best efforts of our brave and committed staff, five residents at Wyndwell Nursing Home have sadly passed away with symptoms that may be related to Covid-19 over the last several days.

"Our deepest sympathy is with their families and loved ones at this difficult time. Another seven residents are also currently symptomatic of the virus.

"We are unable to confirm that coronavirus is the cause as we have so far been unable to have residents tested, however three members of the Wyndwell staffing team have tested positive externally for Covid-19 and are now self-isolating."