FIVE elderly residents at a care home in Glasgow have died in recent days from a coronavirus outbreak, it has been revealed.

Almond Court care home in Drumchapel is now the fourth such facility in Scotland to report deaths following a suspected COVID-19 outbreak.

One staff member is also reportedly ill at the 42-bed home.

The news comes as we yesterday revealed staff at a neighbouring home raised concerns about social distancing adherence.

When we approached them, the parent company of Almond Court refused to confirm the exact number of deaths but said it was “significantly fewer” than the figure of 11 that was passed on to the Glasgow Times.

READ MORE: Coronavirus cases reported in 406 Scottish care homes

A 51-year-old employee who works at the neighbouring Almond View care home raised concerns about the company’s adherence to social distancing rules and the supply of personal protective equipment.

The care worker, who did not wish to be named, said that she had observed taxis taking workers to Almond Court.

She added: “It is a total scandal.”

Yesterday, a spokesman for Holmes Care, which owns both Almond View and Almond Court, acknowledged people had died in the care home due to coronavirus but said the company would not supply an exact figure.

He said: “The welfare of our residents and team members is our foremost priority, and we are doing everything we can to keep them safe throughout these challenging times.

“We have robust infection control procedures in place throughout our home, which have been approved by the relevant authorities. This includes exercising social distancing, and we have a good supply of PPE.

“We will not be commenting in the media on the number of residents who have suspected coronavirus, nor the number who have sadly passed away. However, we can confirm that it is significantly fewer than the number supplied."

READ MORE: Coronavirus: Glasgow cases rise to 1486 with 74 in intensive care

The Care Inspectorate says it has been notified of the circumstances, confirming it was following suspected coronavirus cases.

A spokeswoman said: “We are aware of the tragic death of residents at this care home as a result of suspected cases of COVID-19.

“Our thoughts are with the loved ones of those affected as well as the staff and wider community of the home.

“We have been notified of the circumstances and we are in contact with the care service and the local health and social care partnership during this difficult time.

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

It comes after similar outbreaks reported at three other homes in Scotland.

Nine elderly residents reportedly died at Tranent Care Home in East Lothian; eight others died after showing symptoms at Castle View care home in Dumbarton, West Dunbartonshire; and 13 residents died at Burlington Court care home in Glasgow.

Tranent and Castle View are owned by HC-One, whereas Burlington Court is run by Four Seasons.

Shops are closing. Newspaper sales are falling. But we’ve chosen to keep our coverage of the Coronavirus crisis free because it’s so important that the people of Glasgow stay informed during this difficult time.

To help us get through this, we’re asking readers who can afford it to contribute either £3, £5 or £8 a month to the Glasgow Times.

If you choose to sign up, we’ll also take away all the adverts – and deliver a digital version of the print paper to your device. Click here to help Save Your Times: www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/subscribe

----------------------------------------------------------------