Three COVID cases confirmed in last 24 hours

Three new cases of COVID-19 have been recorded in Orkney in the last 24 hours.

NHS Orkney consultant in public health Sara Lewis said the newest cases were linked with a household cluster.

The latest Scottish Government figures sees a rise from 42 positive cases in Orkney since the start of the pandemic to 45.

The number of COVID-19 cases in Orkney has risen by six since Wednesday, and is expected to rise further in the coming days.

Every health board in Scotland, including the three island areas, Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles, currently in Level Three restrictions, have reported increases since yesterday.

NHS Orkney is urging the community to take extra care.

“Anyone with COVID symptoms or who feels unwell should behave as if they have COVID and immediately isolate and book a test,” said Ms Lewis.

“The only way to stay safe is to maintain physical distancing and to keep back from people who are not in your domestic bubble.”

The vaccination programme in Orkney is well underway with those over 80 a priority group. At the end of this week 1,013 people had received the first vaccination.

NHS Orkney has a direct phone line for people with symptoms to book a COVID-19 test. This is 888 211 between 9.30am and 5.30pm, Monday-Friday, and until 12.30 on a Saturday.

Do not contact or visit your GP practice or the Balfour Hospital if you think you have COVID-19.