Coronavirus / Shetland the only health board with no new cases
NHS Shetland is urging the public to follow the latest Covid-19 guidelines and continue to be vigilant despite the low number of confirmed cases in the isles.
On Friday, Shetland was the sole health board area in Scotland where no new cases were confirmed during the last 24 hours.
Since early March there have been a total of 63 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Shetland.
During her daily briefing first minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed almost 1,200 new Covid-19 cases; 16.9 per cent of those tested.
There are 629 people in hospital, and nine more deaths have been recorded.
The first minister reiterated that as of today (Friday) people are required to wear face coverings in a workplace canteen when queueing, entering or leaving.
The wearing of face coverings in other indoor communal workplaces such as corridors and social spaces will become mandatory as of Monday.
Speaking ahead of the first minister’s daily update NHS Shetland’s professor for public health Shantini Paranjothy said that due to the low number of cases in the isles it was almost inevitable that a degree of complacency was creeping in.
“There is always that when you are in a situation like that for a while,” she said. “I think there definitely is some complacency, but we have to be very mindful that the situation is quite serious across Scotland.”
She said that good infection control practices such as thorough and regular hand washing and maintaining distances “particularly at workplaces where it can be quite challenging to do all of that” were key in preventing the spread of the virus.
She added: “It is the October holiday, so there is movement and travel. So it is about reminding people that we have to continue to be vigilant and continue following the guidance.”
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
