A staff member at the coronavirus-hit Skye care home has tested positive for a second time after seemingly recovering from the virus, the local MP has claimed.
Ian Blackford, MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber, has said he has been informed of the incident after the Home Farm Care Home staff member returned two negative tests following their initial positive diagnosis.
In a series of tweets, Mr Blackford said: “It has been confirmed to me that one of the staff members at Home Farm who had previously tested positive for Covid-19, recovered and was tested negative twice has tested positive again.
It has been confirmed to me that one of the staff members at Home Farm who had previously tested positive for covid-19, recovered and was tested negative twice has tested positive again.
— Ian Blackford (@Ianblackford_MP) June 23, 2020
“The staff member concerned was re-rested on Sunday and received confirmation last night that they were positive.
“It is important to stress that when someone does test positive having previously had Covid-19 that they may not necessarily be infectious.
“Clearly however, we cannot take any risks. I have been in touch with NHS Highland this morning and I have asked that as a precaution all staff and residents at Home Farm are tested today and the results must be known ahead of the court hearing tomorrow.
“I felt it important that the public were aware of this development but I do acknowledge the work that is on going to deliver effective infection control at Home Farm.
“I am sure that all in the community will want to offer full support to the residents, their families and all staff at what has been a distressing time for all.”
Ten residents at the Portree home have died since 29 residents returned positive results, which also resulted in more than 50% of the workforce also contracting the virus.
Both HC One and NHS Highland have been approached for comment.
