Six residents have died from COVID-19 at an Ayr care home, it is understood.

At the end of October, the virus swept through Rozelle Holm Nursing Home infecting 32 people in a large-scale outbreak.

For the first time in days, residents are now able to leave their rooms after having to self-isolate at the Alloway accommodation

Staff are also returning to work following the crisis.

It comes after a COVID-19 patient also died in the Claremont care home in Whitletts it has been confirmed.

Forbes Robertson, care home owner, said: “We have lost some people. It is very sad.

“The residents can come out of their rooms now. Everybody has been isolating in their rooms.

“Staff are coming back as they had to isolate.

“We are not the only nursing home to have lost people.”

READ MORE: Claremont Care Home: Resident dies of coronavirus

Commenting on how the facility was free of the virus for months during the pandemic, Forbes continued: “Credit to my staff we managed from March to the end of October with no cases.

“The problem is trying to get staff because if you are in touch with someone [a positive case] you must isolate.”

It has been confirmed that at least six people living in the home have lost their lives after testing positive for COVID-19.

But it is understood the number could be higher.

Workers from the NHS and South Ayrshire Council have been supporting the privately run residential facility to keep residents and staff safe.

A council spokeswoman said: “There has been a COVID-19 outbreak in Rozelle Care Home, affecting both residents and staff.

"We have been working with partners and the care home management team to support staff, and ensure that residents are safe and receive the best care possible during what is a very difficult situation for everyone involved.”

A council and health board joint team called the Ayrshire Care Home Oversight Group have been formed to respond to the pandemic and monitor cases in residences across the region.It gives workforce and PPE support.