First Covid-linked death reported in Western Isles after cluster emerges

The first Covid- related death has been reported in the Western Isles.

A resident in Taigha’Chridhe Uile Naomh (Sacred Heart House) care home in Daliburgh, South Uist, died yesterday morning.

Until now the Western Isles was the only area in Scotland not to report a death linked to coronavirus.

The virus has been circulating in the district over the past three weeks after a cluster emerged in Eriskay and South Uist.

A number of residents and staff in the local authority- run care home tested positive for corona virus since the outbreak emerged on September 25. The care home suspended admissions, discharges and visiting from that date.

The individual who died tested positive about three weeks ago.

A joint statement from Western Isles Council and NHS Western Isles confirmed the death.

They expressed their condolences to the resident’s family.

They said: “We confirm there has been a death of one of the residents in Taigha’Chridhe Uile Naomh (Sacred Heart House) care home in South Uist.

“Our thoughts are with their family, friends and loved ones.” The statement added: “Following the positive test all care was carried out using the appropriate personal protective equipment in order to reduce the risk of transmission of infection to either other residents or staff.

“Residents are tested routinely for Covid-19 twice a week, and the past three sets of results have shown no positive tests amongst residents.”

The total number of positive tests in the Eriskay, South Uist and Benbecula outbreak reached 48 on Sunday.

No further new cases have been reported since then.