THREE residents at a care home in Totland have tested positive for coronavirus and five others are in isolation, but staff say they are coping well and have been receiving plenty of support.

Little Hayes says the cases were picked up during a ‘normal’ doctor’s visit and warned residents have not been showing the major symptoms that have come to be associated with COVID-19, highlighting the need to stick to the government’s #StayAtHome message and social distancing rules.

Isle of Wight County Press:

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Manager Sam Caswell said families were being kept informed and everyone was coping well. 

She said: “We’ve had people be really kind. One family brought us face shields. A London company delivered us free gloves, aprons and masks.

“We have a lady in hospital and two others have tested positive. We’re a week in. Staff have been incredible. 

“The Isle of Wight Council has been amazing. I couldn’t have asked for more support. At the moment we are doing ok.”

Commenting, Isle of Wight County Press reader Bubba Gump wrote: "I can vouch for these amazing people who are putting themselves at risk everyday, looking after our loved ones while most of us sit at home in our safe place. Sadly many other care homes will have this to come but, unless testing is done, most will not even know it's there until it's too late. To not be able to visit my dad is not nice but, because of the amazing work these people are doing, I might get a chance once this is all over."