First COVID-19 case in a week recorded

Orkney has recorded its first case of COVID-19 in a week according to the Scottish Government’s daily figures.

NHS Orkney has confirmed the patient is a household contact of an existing case, and is currently isolating.

The number of test-positive cases in Orkney since the start of the pandemic now stands at 63.

NHS Orkney consultant in public health Sara Lewis said the vaccination programme was well underway with mass vaccination clinics taking place at The Balfour this weekend and next weekend. Vaccinations were also being administered throughout the week.

So far over 17 per cent of the Orkney population has had their first vaccination.

Mrs Lewis said: “While the vaccination is giving us a great deal of hope and a sense that this might one day be over, we must not forget that that this virus is still among us.

“We cannot be complacent, and we must all continue to follow the FACTS guidelines — most importantly this means washing hands, avoiding crowds, keeping our distance and wearing our masks.”

Mrs Lewis reminded the Orkney public not to phone their GP or The Balfour hospital to find out when they would be given the vaccination.

“You will be alerted by our vaccination team when it is your turn. Phoning the hospital blocks the line for emergencies and those needing urgent care. The whole adult population will receive this vaccine and we are working through the priority groups as quickly as we can.”

Figures from Public Health Scotland also recorded the death of an Orkney COVID-19 patient on Wednesday, bringing the number of deaths attributed to the virus in Orkney since the beginning of the pandemic to three.

If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, you must isolate immediately. You can book a test by calling the COVID Assessment Centre on 888211.