NHSO warn of COVID case rise but hospital admissions remain low

A “one off large increase” in data recording is behind a 434 case rise in Orkney’s COVID figures during the past 24 hours.

Orkney has seen a rise in the number of COVID-19 cases, during the past week, according to NHS Orkney, but hospital admissions due to COVID-19 remain low.

According to the data published by the Scottish Government, 434 cases of COVID were attributed to Orkney over the past 24 hours.

However, this large increase is due in part to a lag in data.

As of today, Thursday, February 10 the cumulative number of cases includes both Lateral Flow Device and PCR test results.

The Scottish Government document detailing daily figures explains that, because the policy change to include lateral results occurred on January 5, today there has been a “one-off large increase” as the lateral flow cases in the intervening period are accounted for.

The data from Public Health Scotland, on the other hand, shows that 58 cases were recorded up to yesterday, Wednesday, January 9.

The case total for Orkney is now 2,355 since the pandemic began.

Dr Louise Wilson, director of public health at NHS Orkney said: “The current rise in cases is likely due to a range of issues including the omicron variant, as well as travel and of course more people are meeting up indoors due to the winter weather.

“The community have been extremely diligent in their use of lateral flow tests, and we want to thank them for this. As restrictions continue to ease, it’s vital, we don’t forget the basic mitigations. Regular hand washing, wearing face coverings and if meeting up indoors, please open windows to ensure there is good ventilation.”

The health authority say we have seen a great uptake in our vaccinations and booster doses across the county, reminding us that vaccination remains our best protector against the virus and against getting seriously ill from COVID-19.

Drop-in vaccination clinics will be held at the Vaccination Centre in Kirkwall, Monday – Friday, throughout the month of February from 0930 – 1630. If you’d rather book an appointment, you call the Vaccination Centre on 0300 303 5313. Likewise, if you have any questions at all regarding vaccinations, you cannot call the centre.

Everyone should be undertaking regular lateral flow tests when they are not showing any COVID-19 symptoms. For example, before meeting up with those out with your household, before attending work/school or before attending events.

Lateral flow tests should only be taken when you are not showing any symptoms of COVID-19 and all lateral flow results should be recorded via https://www.nhsinform.scot/campaigns/coronavirus-covid-19-report-your-test-result, if you cannot record these online, please get in touch with the COVID Assessment Centre on 0300 303 9545.

If you begin to show any symptoms i.e., loss of taste or smell, new or continuous cough or high temperature, please seek a PCR test and self-isolate immediately.