Islanders have spoken of their concerns following confirmation a Skye resident has tested positive for Covid-19.
NHS Highland officials have launched an investigation into the case as they work to “contact those directly affected”.
No confirmation has been provided as to the origins of the case, but it is understood to be unrelated to the outbreak at Home Farm Care Home in Portree, where 10 residents have died after contracting the virus.
In a statement issued by NHS Highland, a spokeswoman said: “NHS Highland is investigating another confirmed positive case of Covid-19 on Skye.
“To reduce the potential for further spread of the virus, NHS Highland has contacted all those directly affected, given them the appropriate advice and is in the process of organising testing.”
The announcement comes just days after a sheriff granted Home Farm owners HC One three weeks to make substantial improvements to keep their operating license.
Care Inspectorate officials previously raised “serious and significant concerns” about the running of the home – at the centre of the outbreak – after 30 residents and more than half the home’s workforce tested positive for the virus.
MP Ian Blackford praised the efforts of the NHS but urged Skye residents to take responsibility in protecting the wider community.
He said: “We had a very significant outbreak at Home Farm Care Home and what I am pleased about is the efforts that the NHS have put in place. It seems to be the case that the Home Farm outbreak has been contained, in so far as there is no evidence of community infection beyond the staff members that we know about.
“That is testament to the work that the NHS have done, the responsibilities shown by the care workers themselves and the community that have sought to take every reasonable precaution.”
He added: “The fact that we have another outbreak means that all of us have to take a responsibility, the same way we did with the Home Farm outbreak.
“Lets hope that through contact tracing, which is already in place, that the effect of this can be minimised as far as possible.”
Meanwhile, councillor John Gordon said the confirmation of a new case raises the issue of whether the Highlands has indeed reached its peak of the pandemic.
He said: “It’s very concerning, especially if this is not linked to Home Farm and it poses the question “What does it mean in the wider community in terms of the days ahead?
“NHS Highland at the start said that the peak for Highland wouldn’t be towards the end of May or the beginning of June, so have we reached the peak in the Highlands?
“I know government is talking about relaxing lockdown but if we haven’t reached the peak, what does it mean for us in terms of government policy and their plans for next week.
“Should we be staying at home slightly longer until we make sure that we are beyond this stage?”
Fellow councillor John Finlayson added: “Clearly any new cases are of concern but I am assured the tracing of contacts is now in place to minimise any on-spread of the virus.”
