Up to 6,000 people in the Highlands could see their social care support reduced as a result of coronavirus.

Bosses are warning the “extraordinary” situation could see people having “to cope with less care” and are asking family members to help out as the situation worsens.

It follows reports care packages in Glasgow and South Lanarkshire are being cut back, despite the health secretary saying support levels should stay and promising to cover any additional costs councils incur as a result.

Now NHS Highland, which is responsible for social care in the region, says it will have to prioritise who gets what as the numbers who need support rise and staff levels fall as the virus bites.

Possible changes for the 6,000 people in the area supported by home carers include fewer shorter visits and less scope for individual choice.

The organisation is working with the British Red Cross to co-ordinate offers of support from volunteers.

In a statement NHS Highland said: “Care needs are likely going to increase amongst our population, not just for those who are in receipt of packages, but for those who will become vulnerable as a result of covid-19.

“Couple that with the likely scenario that carers are also going to become unwell we are facing what will be an extraordinary demand on health and social care service provision and difficult decisions will have to be made.

“The care we have is going to have to stretch further to ensure that those who need it most get it…

“We are working with our partners in the Highland council, the independent sector, voluntary sector and the third sector but we will also need families to work with us around this.

“Whilst we are attempting to avoid disruption, it is to be expected that people may have to cope with less care to allow need to be met.”

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