Orkney records 11 new cases as First Minister set to give COVID briefing

A total of 11 new COVID cases have been recorded in Orkney during the past 24 hours, according to figures published by the Scottish Government.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is set to give an official update on Scotland’s COVID-19 situation, this Tuesday afternoon.

If you develop COVID-19 symptoms, or receive a positive lateral flow result you must self-isolate with your household immediately. You and all members of your household should arrange a PCR test.

Those with COVID symptoms or who suspect they may have COVID no longer need to phone to book a test.

Patients will be able to come along to the COVID Assessment Centre (drive to the car park up at the old Macmillan Unit at the Old Balfour Hospital). Centre staff will then provide a self-testing PCR kit which you will undertake in your car and hand back for processing.

According to NHS Orkney, full instructions will be given. They have assured the public that the self-tests are as accurate as our staff carrying out the tests.

To expand incoming call capacity a new phone number, 0300 303 9545, has been introduced for the COVID Assessment Centre, replacing the current 888211 number.