Rising Covid Cases Lead to Community Transmission Plea

NHS Orkney and Orkney Islands Council have issued a joint plea - in the wake of rising cases of COVID-19 in the county - for local people to increase their efforts around limiting the spread of the virus around the community.

This week across Orkney we have again seen a high number of positive cases - around 300 in total.

Hospitalisation rates remain low and most people are experiencing mild or no symptoms - however for some people catching COVID-19 can cause significant ill-health.

Public services across the county - including care, schools and waste services - are being impacted as staff are required to isolate, or need to stay home with young members of their family who have tested positive.

Dr Louise Wilson, Director in Public Health for NHS Orkney urged: “We must remain vigilant as we continue to see high numbers of people testing positive for COVID-19 in the county. COVID-19 is not going away but we can help to reduce the spread of the virus.

"We’d urge you to have plans in place to help you manage at home should you require to isolate. Likewise, we continue to ask businesses to have contingency plans in place if large numbers of their staff test positive or need leave to look after family members.

"We need to work together so that we can minimise the spread of transmission and disruption.

"Face coverings are still mandatory in most public indoor settings, and regular hand washing and use of hand sanitiser is vital. When the weather allows, keep windows open to ensure air is flowing and finally, if meeting up with others out with your household, please undertake a lateral flow (if showing no symptoms of covid) before meeting up. All lateral flow tests should be recorded online via https://www.nhsinform.scot/campaigns/coronavirus-covid-19-report-your-test-result. If you are showing any signs of COVID-19, please isolate immediately and seek a PCR test.”

Interim Chief Executive of Orkney Islands Council, John Mundell, said: “Through the Herculean efforts of our staff we have – in the main – been able to keep services going this week, in the face of significant staffing challenges. There are a few services that are currently right on the edge – and unfortunately some that tipped over that edge – this week.  To ensure that we can keep on track next week, we really need everyone in Orkney to pull together again and turn the current tide on community transmission. “