A fourth person is reported to have died from Covid-19 coronavirus at the Home Farm care home in Portree, Skye
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A FOURTH person is understood to have died at a Skye care home hit by a large outbreak of Covid-19.
The sad development comes just days after news of the coronavirus hotspot at the Home Farm care home in Portree first emerged.
Some 57 people have been infected by the virus – 30 of the 34 residents and 27 of the staff. An unspecified number of other people are also self-isolating after being in contact with those affected.
The sudden outbreak accounts for more than a sixth of all confirmed coronavirus cases across the NHS Highland area. The region had 307 known cases when the figure was last updated yesterday.
Meanwhile, Highland Council leader Margaret Davidson has spoken of her "profound sadness" over the outbreak.
Commenting this morning before news of the fourth death emerged, Cllr Davidson said: “I was profoundly sad to learn of the coronavirus outbreak at Home Farm care home and my thoughts are very much with those who have lost loved ones.
"This is a very difficult and anxious time for residents, families and staff, but I have been heartened by the response from NHS Highland and the Council who have moved swiftly to support the community in Portree which has included the deployment by the Army of a mobile testing unit.
"Skye is a very close family community who will be supporting and caring for one another and I just wanted them to know that the council and its partners will do all we can to help and support them at this time.”