NHS visiting services to Barra have been suspended until further notice following a rising outbreak of coronavirus on the island.
NHS Western Isles confirmed ten positive cases have been identified this week.
One patient had to be airlifted to mainland hospital, while another was transferred to Western Isles Hospital on Stornoway.
Separately, a single positive test of Covid-19 has been confirmed on Benbecula in the Outer Hebrides.
The health board said test and protect actions are “well under way” and a number of close contacts have been ordered to self-isolate.
Local authority Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has closed Barra’s Castlebay Sports Centre and visits to the island’s St Brendan’s Care Home and Hospital have also been suspended in an effort to stem the spread of the deadly virus.
Gordon Jamieson, NHS Western Isles’ chief executive, said it was a “rapidly developing situation” and appealed to islanders to only leave home if “absolutely essential”.
He said: “I would appeal to everyone, particularly the residents on Barra, to limit their contact with other households, and in fact only to leave home if it’s absolutely essential.
“Please continue to take every precaution you can. We must contain and suppress this virus.”
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