No new COVID-19 cases recorded in Orkney during past 24 hours

The total number of COVID-19 cases recorded in Orkney to date remains at 62, today, Sunday, after no new cases were confirmed in the county during the past 24 hours.

This news comes amid a rising number of cases in Orkney over recent weeks.

Yesterday, one new case of COVID-19 was confirmed for the county. The patient is a known contact of an existing case.

NHS Orkney’s director of public health Dr Louise Wilson has reminded the community that while it was really encouraging to see days with no or very low numbers of new cases, given the national situation there should be no complacency about abiding by the FACTS guidance.

Dr Wilson said: “We know that we are giving the same messages time and time again, but please continue to follow the guidance — facemasks, avoiding crowded places, cleaning hands regularly, two-metre distancing and self-isolating/getting tested if you develop symptoms.

“And as we have said before, everyone has to be very alert to COVID-19 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.”

The number of test-positive cases since the start of the pandemic now stands at 62.

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