Skye care home hit by Covid-19

Health chiefs on Skye are dealing with a “significant “outbreak of Covid-19 at a care home on the island.

A significant number of staff and residents – believed to be more than 50 – have tested positive at Home Farm Care home in Portree. But there is still no evidence that it has spread into the wider community.

“So far, a significant number of care home residents and staff have been confirmed positive,” a joint statement from NHS Highland and Highland Council said yesterday.

It stated: “As part of this work the Health Protection Team are carrying out enhanced monitoring of those affected. Every member of staff who has tested positive, has been contacted and asked to self-isolate for seven days and their households contacts have been asked to self-isolate for 14 days as per guidance.”

Extra staff have been drafted in by the owners of the home and an NHS Highland support team has also been made available to assist with care.

Care homes now account for the majority of deaths in Scotland from Covid-19, overtaking hospitals last week, official figures revealed.

Dr Ken Oates, director of public health at NHS Highland, said: “There is no evidence at this stage that Covid infection has spread further into the community. The assessment centre in Portree and local GPS are not reporting an increase of cases.”

Local MP Ian Blackford said 54 residents and staff have tested positive for the virus. “It has shaken many of us,” the SNP Westminster leader added. “Our thoughts are with all those who have the virus, their family and friends.”