Coronavirus: '28 of 34 care home residents test positive'

More than 80% of residents at a care home on the Isle of Skye have tested positive for coronavirus, an MP has said.

A total of 28 of 34 of Home Farm residents in Portree have contracted Covid-19, while 26 of the 52 staff have also got the virus.

That’s according to SNP MP Ian Blackford, who represents Ross, Skye and Lochaber and shared the figures on Twitter.

He said: “First and foremost my thoughts are with all those affected, the residents of Home Farm, the staff at home farm as well as all their family members and friends who will of course have worries as to the impact of the virus.

The sad news is that 28 of the 34 residents have tested positive for Covid-19 as have 26 of the 52 staff. My thoughts are with all of those who are infected and I know the entire community of Skye will want to rally round and offer support to all of those affected.
— Ian Blackford (@Ianblackford_MP) May 3, 2020

“I can also say that all of the public agencies have responded quickly and efficiently as the outbreak has developed over the course over the last few days.

“The sad news is that 28 of the 34 residents have tested positive for Covid-19 as have 26 of the 52 staff.”

Blackford continued: “I know the entire community of Skye will want to rally round and offer support to all of those affected.

“Testing and contact tracing will be important as we all seek to see the control and eradication of this outbreak on Skye and all of us on the island have our part to play in this.”

NHS Highland and the Highland Council issued a joint statement, which said the Health Protection Team is 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 for 14 days, as per national guidance.

‘Stay at home’

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. The measures that have been put in place will support us in ensuring, as best as we can, that the outbreak is as contained as possible.

“It is really important at this time that the local community continue to adhere to the government’s social distancing guidance and do not put vulnerable residents in the area, or themselves, at risk.

“The key messages are to stay at home and only leave the house for essential purposes.”