All residents at a Moray care home have tested negative for coronavirus after a second wave of testing.
A woman who stayed at the Glenisla Care Home in Keith died as a result of Covid-19 while in hospital earlier this month.
And further tests at the time found that two residents and an employee also had the virus.
Operator Parklands pressed the Scottish Government for a second wave of assessments to provide reassurance for friends and family after concerns were raised about the length of time it took for the initial tests to be undertaken.
Now it has been confirmed that no residents at Glenisla has Covid-19. Staff results are still being compiled.
Ron Taylor, managing director of Parklands, said: “This is good news for residents and their loved ones and I want to thank them for their understanding during what has been a worrying time for all.
“I would also like to pay tribute to the hard working team at Glenisla.
“They have endured the past two months with considerable grace, professionalism and good humour, working long hours – often at the expense of their own family commitments – to care for our residents.
“I am immensely proud of them and I know that the local community is too.
“The virus remains a persistent threat, however, so we will continue to implement our robust infection prevention and control procedures in line with national clinical and care guidelines.”
Meanwhile, admissions have resumed at Seafield Hospital in Buckie this week following an outbreak that affected at least 10 members of staff.
NHS Grampian has confirmed that enhanced infection prevention and cleaning measures will remain in force at the unit.
Moray MSP Richard Lochhead said: “The last few weeks have been really difficult for the staff and residents at Glenisla, as well as being a worrying time for the wider community.
“Due to the very nature of the virus, care home residents and staff will be feeling vulnerable at this time and it is vital they receive the support they need from the authorities.”
