The latest reported coronavirus Covid-19 deaths occurred in a care home, it has been confirmed.

Health and Social Care Minister David Ashford announced today that two further deaths in the island have been confirmed as being caused by Covid-19, bringing the total to six.

The previously confirmed four deaths all happened in Noble’s Hospital.

Mr Ashford said of care homes: ’They are home to some of our most vulnerable citizens.

’It was particularly important from the start of the outbreak that residents were shielded as far as possible and that lockdown meant a number of restrictions, including no visitors.’

Mr Ashford added: ’The two deaths did come from a nursing home, in total there has been three deaths from a nursing home, but the other was in hospital.’

Earlier this week, the DHSC ’stepped in’ to assist Abbotswood Nursing Home, which the Minister confirmed is the only care home to have a ’cluster’ of Covid-19 cases. There are 37 confirmed cases of Covid-19 at the home.

He confirmed that the department has also been in contact with the families of residents at the home to explain what actions are being taken at Abbotswood.

Mr Ashford explained that confirming deaths in the community were caused by Covid-19 can take longer as they need to be verified and the cause of death determined.