NHS Western Isles and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar have confirmed the care home death

The health board and the council confirmed the death in a joint statement.

“We are sorry to confirm the death in a care home of a resident who had tested positive for COVID-19 approximately three weeks before their death, and send our condolences to their family and loved ones.

“Any individual who sadly passes away within 28 days of a positive test for COVID-19 infection, will have this confirmed as a COVID-19 death by Public Health Scotland, regardless of any other contributory factors.

“Following the positive test, all care was carried out using the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) 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.”