New COVID-19 case linked to travel

A patient, who recently travelled, has tested positive for COVID-19 in Orkney.

It is the first new case since Saturday, and represents the 64th test-positive COVID case attributed to Orkney since the start of the pandemic.

NHS Orkney director of public health, Dr Louise Wilson, said that while she understood the community wanted to know exact details about COVID cases, ensuring a patient’s privacy was respected would always remain paramount.

She said: “It doesn’t matter where the person lives or who tests positive. We should all be behaving as if we are positive and taking precautions not to pass the virus on to those around us.

“This means washing your hands, especially when you arrive home after being out and about, avoiding crowds, wearing a mask, keeping your distance from other people and, if you are unwell, for the sake of everyone in the community, immediately isolating and requesting a test.”

Dr Wilson said the rollout of the vaccination programme was progressing very well with two more mass vaccination clinics for the 65-69-year-old age groups planned for this weekend.

Maureen Firth, head of primary services, said, “We have been so grateful to our community for the special effort they have made to attend our clinics.  

“We strongly encourage our patients aged 65-69 to accept our latest invitation to attend for their vaccination this weekend at the new Balfour.  

“We do appreciate that a few patients did struggle last weekend to attend due to the weather which was understandable.  

“Anyone who could not attend can phone the Vaccination Centre and we will arrange a further appointment time for you.”   

The contact number to book a COVID test is 888 211, or to reschedule a COVID vaccination, it is 0300 303 5313.