Dalmellington Care Centre has taken the "difficult decision" to suspend some visiting at the home.

From Monday, September 20, only visiting in The Terrace Lounge or a window visit will be permitted, with it being restricted to two relatives at one time.

Visiting in bedroom and lounge areas will be stopped, with outdoor visiting also coming to a halt due to dropping temperatures.

A statement from the care home said: "After speaking with Public Health yesterday I have made the difficult decision that from Monday 20th September we will be suspending visiting to residents bedrooms and lounge areas due to the rising community prevalence.

"We will be reducing the footfall for visiting to 2 relatives at any one time, with visiting only being able to be undertaken in The Terrace Lounge, or a window visit.

"As the temperatures outside are starting to fall we will be refraining from garden visits at this time to ensure residents do not succumb to chest infections.

"It is extremely important that to continue with visits to the care home that all visitors comply with the care home visiting protocol. We must insist that all Infection Prevention and control Procedures to at all times and visitor checklist criteria is completed accurately and honestly."

It continued: "Visitors must arrive at their nominated visiting/testing times. Any visitor late for a visit will not be allowed to continue with that visit.

"I totally understand your frustration that yet again there has been a need to install restrictions but at this harrowing time it is very important that the residents and staff safety is at the forefront of this difficult decision.

"We hope this will only be short term until infection rates fall. Myself and Senior Management team will be keeping a close eye on these rates daily and will keep you fully kept abreast".

Latest data from the Scottish Government show that there were 24 positive coronavirus cases in the Doon Valley South area between September 5 and 11.

The Doon Valley North area also recorded 27 positive cases in this time.