NHS Orkney appeals for folk to be on their guard as COVID numbers rise

Having seen an increase in the numbers of COVID cases in recent days, NHS Orkney has warned that they are expecting the situation to continue for the entire week.

Contact tracing is being worked through and the health board says that they will be in touch with people as quickly as possible.

Some of the cases stem from attending social events and extended family clusters.

NHS Orkney is asking for the support and patience of the public while tracers work through the cases, and they are asking that if identified as a contact to please answer the phone, be honest and take the necessary action (to self-isolate and get tested).

An NHS Orkney spokeswoman said: “We appreciate how long this has affected our community (and beyond) but it is really important that we all do our best to minimise the spread of infection.

“Some people are either not able to be vaccinated or are not as protected from vaccinations as others.

“Even where people are fully vaccinated, we are still seeing cases where COVID is making people quite unwell, sometimes with issues well beyond the infectious period.

“For most of us vaccinations are making a big difference to the risks COVID poses — if you are called for a COVID vaccination it is important to take up the offer.”

Director of public health for NHS Orkney, Dr Louise Wilson, has asked for people to be on their guard and don’t let complacency to creep in when it came to abiding by Public Health guidance.

“We know that we are giving the same messages time and time again, but please continue to take care — use facemasks, avoid crowded places, make sure you ventilate shared spaces as much as possible, clean your hands regularly and self-isolate and get tested if you develop symptoms,” said Dr Wilson.

“And as we have said before, everyone has to be very alert to COVID symptoms: even if you think it is only a cold you should stay at home, and then if it develops into a fever, a new persistent cough or a loss of taste or smell you should immediately self-isolate with the rest of your household and get a test.

“We continue to encourage all our staff and members of the community who have no symptoms to undertake twice weekly lateral flow tests and log their results on the portal.”

Anyone experiencing COVID symptoms should contact the COVID Assessment Centre for a PCR test. The number to call is 01856 888211.

If you think you have COVID and require medical advice, please call 111 and not your GP practice.