A RESIDENT has died from coronavirus after an outbreak at an Ayr care home. 

The resident was one of 15 who have tested positive for COVID-19 at Claremont Care Home in Whitletts. 

Staff at the home have also been struck down with the virus, with 16 colleagues testing positive and a further 10 self-isolating after being contacted by NHS Ayrshire and Arran's Test and Protect team. 

Bosses at the Thorneyflat Wynd accomodation have vowed to support the family of the person who has sadly passed. 

A spokesperson for the home said: “Our thoughts and sympathies are with all families who have lost a loved one from coronavirus. Caring for our residents and supporting our colleagues is at the heart of what we do and we are doing our utmost to support them during this difficult time."

The home operated by HC-One are working closely with NHS Ayrshire and Arran and South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership, as they try to protect residents.

A spokesperson added: “The home continues to be well supplied with the medical equipment and PPE needed to protect residents and colleagues, with members of our senior regional team providing additional support.  

"We are in contact with the next of kin of our residents, and we are grateful for their ongoing support and understanding.

"We are very proud of our Colleagues and how they have shown huge dedication and commitment to responding to this outbreak and caring for our residents.” 

NHS Ayrshire and Arran confirmed they were working with the care home. 

Lynne McNiven, Joint Director of Public Health said: "We appreciate this is a very worrying time. However, we would like to assure people that every measure is being taken to protect residents and staff.

"To respect and maintain patient confidentiality it is not possible to release any further information at this time."