Coronavirus / New Covid-19 case not linked to off-island travel
FOLLOWING a period of almost three weeks without any Covid-19 cases linked to Shetland the local health board confirmed a further case on Monday.
The latest case, which brings the total number for the isles to 77, is not linked to travel off Shetland.
The contact tracing process has taken place, NHS Shetland confirmed.
With much stricter Covid rules coming into force over coming days to prevent the spread of the new, highly contagious strain of the virus, NHS Shetland reiterated that any travel was prohibited except for essential reasons such as work or healthcare purposes.
The health board advised that “at this point in time” any patients with an off-island health appointment should plan to attend unless they hear anything to the contrary.
“If you cannot avoid travel and have recently come back to Shetland, please do not make any non-essential visits or undertake social activities for 10 days after your return to make sure you do not put people around you at risk,” a spokesperson said.
“This applies even if you are tested for Covid-19 and receive a negative result.”
The public health team, meanwhile, continues to urge everyone to follow all the guidance about social distancing and avoiding crowded areas, wearing face coverings and good hand and respiratory hygiene.
People showing Covid-19 symptoms such as developing fever, a new persistent cough or a loss of taste or smell should self-isolate and book a test if feeling unwell.
“Keeping transmission levels low is critical for protecting vulnerable people in the community, keeping healthcare services from being overwhelmed in the winter months and also helping Shetland remain with fewer restrictions in our daily lives than most of the UK,” a health board spokesperson said.
“Stopping the spread starts with all of us.”
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