Orkney leaders appeal to community as further COVID restrictions ‘likely’

Orkney’s leaders have warned that further COVID-19 restrictions are “likely” as they issue a plea to the community, this Sunday afternoon.

Members of the Orkney Partnership, which comprises members of Orkney Islands Council, NHS Orkney and other community agencies, is urging folk to “double down” on their efforts to reduce the spread of the virus.

The partnership has warned that further pandemic restrictions are likely to come into force in Orkney and the rest of Scotland, this coming week.

Meghan McEwan, chairwoman of NHS Orkney said: “As we begin to understand the Omicron variant.

”It’s likely that the national picture will change rapidly – and that more restrictions could be put in place by government.

“All household contacts of confirmed cases, Omicron or not, now need to isolate for 10 days regardless of vaccination status or a negative PCR result. Non-household contacts can end isolation after receiving a negative PCR result if double vaccinated and have no symptoms.

“We would encourage the community both individuals and businesses to be mindful of these new rules and ensure they are prepared if they are requested to isolate for 10 days.

“We’d also encourage anyone who is yet to be vaccinated to get in touch with ourselves, you can do this by calling 0300 303 5313. We are well underway with our vaccination boosters and aim to have all booster vaccines administered by the middle of January with all appointment letters out before Christmas.”

OIC leader, Councillor James Stockan, is chairman of the Orkney Partnership.

He said: “Nobody wants to see restrictions coming in at a time when we are keen to be together in celebration – but the reality is that the new variant is spreading at an alarming rate– and the best way to battle it is to restrict opportunities for the virus to spread.  We’ve already seen some planned Orkney events cancelled – and I expect more will follow this week.

“The Christmas break will inevitably see folk returning home to their families in Orkney – and we would encourage them to take lateral flow tests before they do and before they leave Orkney again, and for all of us to continue to test ourselves on a regular basis.

“As this situation develops, we fully expect that there may be significant changes coming in.

“Our staff are keeping a very careful watch on things – and every effort will be made to maintain key services like home care and ferry services. Further updates are likely to be released in due course.”