The first person died at the start of the outbreak at the Fleet Valley Care Home in Gatehouse of Fleet.
But Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership (DGHSCP) now say another four residents have died ‘where covid was recorded as being present’.
In addition, 16 residents and 28 staff have tested positive for the virus.
A DGHSCP spokesman said: “This has been a very difficult situation, but we would note and give credit to the dedication of the operators of Fleet Valley and their extremely dedicated staff in their response.
“The highly infectious nature of Covid-19 means that containing its spread has not been easy. Once again, we have seen the coronavirus demonstrating just how highly-transmissible it is, even when it is being met with all the correct protocols.”
And they reminded everyone that covid can result in mild symptoms, or none at all, which can mask its spread.
He urged everyone to continue to use PPE where required and practice physical distancing and good hygiene, adding: “These tools are simply the best measures currently available to help reduce the risk as much as possible, and help limit the spread of the coronavirus which we know is present across all four localities in Dumfries and Galloway – Annandale and Eskdale, Nithsdale, Stewartry and Wigtownshire – and with evidence that it is being transmitted within the community.
“Everyone is firmly encouraged to adhere to these directions.”
