Health board confirms second Covid-19 case at hospital

This brings the total number of confirmed cases in Shetland to 69. A first case of Covid-19 at the hospital was confirmed on Saturday.

The health board insisted that it was on top of the situation and had already “thoroughly” completed contact tracing with any close contacts of the staff member, who is now self-isolating.

Director of nursing and acute services Kathleen Carolan said NHS Shetland had asked other staff to self-isolate and is testing relevant staff as a precaution.

“We are actively managing this situation. We have identified an additional case through expanded testing of hospital staff which is being undertaken as a precautionary measure,” she said.

“Because we have a number of staff needing to self-isolate, we will supplement our staffing levels with agency staff as required.

“If it looks as though this situation is likely to impact on any planned care, we will update people as quickly as possible.”

Carolan added that the health board did not believe there is an increased risk to patients in the hospital as “all the necessary controls are in place”.

“These include strict guidance regarding the wearing of, and safe donning and doffing of PPE and the enhanced cleaning schedules that are in place in line with national guidance,” she said.

The health board urged anyone with Covid-19 symptoms to immediately filling in a test request form on the NHS Shetland website.