Third death reported at Skye care home hit by Covid-19 coronavirus outbreak
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A THIRD person is understood to have died from Covid-19 at a coronavirus hotspot in a Skye care home.
The sad news of the death at HC-One's Home Farm care home, in Portree, comes the day after the first two recorded fatalities.
The site only recorded its first cases of confirmed coronavirus on Thursday but has since seen the virus infect 57 people – 30 of the 34 residents and 27 of the staff.
A number of other people are self-isolating after coming into contact with those confirmed as having picked up the virus.
The army has set-up mobile testing on the island in a bid to help track and trace anyone who may have come into contact with those affected.
Confirming a third death, a spokeswoman for HC-One said the company's "thoughts and sympathies" were with all realtives and added that "we are doing our utmost to support them during this difficult time".
“Caring for our residents and supporting our colleagues is at the heart of what we do, and we are doing everything we can to make sure our residents and colleagues stay safe and well throughout these challenging times.
“We have a comprehensive coronavirus contingency plan in place, which was created by our clinical director and reflects the latest government guidance. We are working closely with our local health and care partners, and we have secured the medical equipment, PPE, and supplies we need to protect residents and colleagues alike.
“Whilst a number of colleagues are away unwell or self-isolating, we have had the team members required to safely care for all residents with additional support being drawn from our other Scottish homes and the senior regional team.
“We are proud of our colleagues and their courage in rising to the coronavirus outbreak by showing huge dedication and commitment to our residents.
"We are providing round-the-clock support for all our teams, and we are also grateful to relatives for their ongoing support and understanding.”
Speaking yesterday afternoon, local MP Ian Blackford – who also lives on the island – said Skye residents face a "hard battle" ahead.
Posting on Twitter, he said: "I want to thank the vast majority of people who are adhering to the lockdown measures on Skye.
"It is important to be honest though and we must ensure now our efforts are renewed as there is a hard battle ahead. We must do all we can to protect each other on Skye and beyond."
He has also praised NHS Highland and Highland Council for their "remarkable leadership" in responding to the wider pandemic.
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