A suspected outbreak of covid-19 has been blamed for the deaths of 13 care home residents.

Burlington Care Home in the Cranhill area of Glasgow, says that they are “closely monitoring” the situation, as two staff members have been hospitalised by the virus.

A spokesperson for Four Seasons Health Care said: “With deep sadness we can confirm that 13 residents at Burlington Court Care Home have passed away over the past seven days. Our condolences are with their families and we are providing them with our ongoing support during this difficult time.

“The passing of a loved one is always traumatic irrespective of the circumstances. Within the home the focus of the team continues to be the ongoing care and protection of all our residents and our colleagues.

“Our strict protocols on infectious diseases are in place, including social distancing, and we are closely monitoring the health of the other residents and colleagues.

"In these exceptional circumstances we are sincerely grateful for the dedication of our colleagues and can assure our residents and their families that we are putting all our resources and energy into supporting and protecting everyone in our homes.”

It was confirmed that no tests had been carried out at the care home, as none of the people had been admitted to hospital.

Two members of staff from the home are being treated for covid-19 in separate hospitals, and staff at the home have been given PPE and GP support at teh home and on the phone. The home's operators say protocols to prevent the spread of infectious diseases between homes are in place and are being strictly adhered to.

A spokesperson for the Care Inspectorate, which has been informed of the deaths, 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."

All of the people who died are understood to have had underlying health conditions.