SCOTTISH Borders Council (SBC) has defended how it responded to seven coronavirus deaths at a care home.

The Border Telegraph and the Peeblesshire News revealed on Monday (June 1) that seven deaths had occurred at Eyemouth's Saltgreens Care Home, which is run by the council.

Now SBC chief executive Tracey Logan has explained why the deaths were not announced to the media earlier, despite them happening "over the past few weeks".

In a written statement, Ms Logan said the council wanted to give families "the opportunity to grieve in private".

She said: "With this in mind, we have not proactively issued any media statements regarding the sad loss of life at Saltgreens but, as always, we have answered any questions from the media with honesty and transparency."

The council has regularly been updating the Scottish Government and the Care Inspectorate on the number of virus cases and deaths in care homes, according to Ms Logan.

On Saltgreens, she said the council is working with NHS Borders to control the spread of the virus at the home, where 16 residents have been infected since the outbreak, with most recovering. The first cases at the Chapel Street premises were announced in April.

The council chief reassured Borders residents that care home staff across the region have been wearing personal protective equipment (PPE).

She said: "We have provided appropriate PPE for all our care staff, even before national guidance was issued.

"Our staff have fully embraced the wearing of PPE from the beginning and have raised no issues about this."

Ms Logan said Borders care homes have reported fewer coronavirus cases than those in many other areas.

"The region as a whole continues to report some of the lowest numbers nationally in terms of cases and deaths in care settings," Ms Logan said, going on to thank staff for their efforts.

She said: "Their hard work, dedication and passion continues to offer support and reassurance to residents and their families in the face of these unprecedented challenges."

Tracey Logan's full statement issued on June 3, 2020

"Over the past few weeks, seven residents in Saltgreens Care Home in Eyemouth have sadly passed away where COVID-19 has been recorded as a contributory factor on the death certificate.

“Our sympathy and condolences are with all family members.

"We have fully engaged with the families and we continue to offer our support during these incredibly difficult times.

“As is required, Scottish Borders Council has been providing data to the Scottish Government and the Care Inspectorate on the number of positive cases and deaths within our care homes on a regular basis.

“There are currently 16 other residents in Saltgreens who have tested positive since the outbreak, the majority of whom have recovered.

“While there has also been one case of COVID-19 in Lower Deanfield Care Home in Hawick, there are no other cases in our other homes at present.

“The region as a whole continues to report some of the lowest numbers nationally in terms of cases and deaths in care settings.

“It is important to remember that these are also matters regarding individual care and families deserve the opportunity to grieve in private.

"With this in mind, we have not proactively issued any media statements regarding the sad loss of life at Saltgreens but, as always, we have answered any questions from the media with honesty and transparency.

“We have worked very closely with NHS Borders colleagues, and continue to do so, to support the situation in the home especially in respect of infection control.

"We have provided appropriate PPE for all our care staff, even before national guidance was issued. Our staff have fully embraced the wearing of PPE from the beginning and have raised no issues about this.

“I want to place on record my thanks to all our care staff. Their hard work, dedication and passion continues to offer support and reassurance to residents and their families in the face of these unprecedented challenges.”