A Glasgow church has released details of an 'intimate' funeral to be held for a man who died after a suspected outbreak of COVID-19 at a care home in Stepps.

The man, who has not been named, was one of 13 to die in just seven days in Burlington Care Home. 

Cranhill Parish Church which works closely with residents of the care home expressed shock at the death of the residents. 

READ MORE: 13 deaths in care home linked to COVID-19

The loss of the 13 elderly individuals will be felt deeply in the community. 

Rev Muriel Pearson, minister of Cranhill Parish Church, said: “Our congregation have been involved with folks living in Burlington Care Home since it was built, regularly visiting to lead worship.

“The community will be desperately shocked and saddened by the news that so many families have lost loved ones in recent days.

“We are devastated for the caring staff."

Ms Pearson will conduct a funeral for one of the men who died on Monday.

“It will be a very small gathering and very simple,” she said.

“It has been distressing not to be able to visit the bereaved and talk about their loss, although we have talked on the phone."

Cranhill Parish Church will respect governmental-issued social distancing rules as they mourn the tragic loss. 

READ MORE: Reappeal to find man, 80, missing from Hamilton for two weeks

Rev Pearson added: “Ministers are trying to be present in their parishes, while at a physical distance, and want to assure people that although there are restrictions on how funerals are conducted, we will, as we always do, strive to make it personal and to bring comfort and hope.

“It is a privilege to offer this to anyone in the parish, not just church members.

“And in days to come we will be able to mourn together and to celebrate the sacrificial caring offered by social care staff and medical staff.

“I hope that as a society our valuing of these key workers will be reflected in a change to the way social care is structured.”

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