Each of the three patients who have died since contracting corona virus were in their 80s. 

Pictured: The latest statistics as at 17:00, Sunday 5 April. 

While it's not been confirmed where any of the three patients lived, we do know that 'clusters' of corona virus patients have been identified in two care homes in Guernsey.

The care homes involved have not been named publicly to protect the identities of the residents and staff. The next of kin of affected residents have been informed.

With tens of staff and residents diagnosed as having covid-19, a new programme has been launched to oversee the response to the pandemic within the care home sector. That is being led by Sue Fleming who has been described as an experienced care home manager, and a leading expert in her field locally.

Overseen by Health and Social Care, but mainly run indepdently of the States, there are a number of care homes in Guernsey which offer different levels of support for their residents. Some offer 'supported living' for older people with high levels of independence, while others are nursing homes with staff taking care of the resident's daily personal needs.

With corona virus now confirmed in at least two of those facilities, the health and care providers who run them are said to be facing "unprecedented challenges".

The Community services team are working with the residential, nursing and care homes to support covid-19 patients in the community, alongside the day to day home care in the community that already takes place around the clock seven days a week.

Pictured: Anyone with experience as a carer is asked if they can help out during the ongoing pandemic. File image. 

In response to the "immense pressure" the staff are under, the Guernsey Care Home Association and HSC has put out a public request to anyone in Guernsey who has any previous caring experience either formal, including working in a care setting, or informally through caring for a family member or friend, and who would like to work in the care home and community care sector at this difficult time.

"We would welcome interest from anyone (part-time or full-time) who hasn’t been in contact with anyone who is covid-19 positive and isn’t showing any symptoms (fever, cough or shortness of breath) and is generally fit and well," said a spokesperson.

"If you are interested in some temporary paid employment and would like to help please contact Community Services who are coordinating a rapid recruitment programme together with Guernsey Care Home Association, on tel 725241 ext 3313 or email vicky.trench@gov.gg

"HSC and the community care sector would like to say thank you all for the help and support in the community at these difficult times."

Pictured top: Anyone with experience as a carer is asked if they can help out during the ongoing pandemic. File image.