Another four Covid cases confirmed

FOUR people have tested positive for coronavirus today (Tuesday), according to NHS Shetland in an update released this evening.

This means that the total figure for the current outbreak now stands at 34. A total of 14 cases were recorded yesterday.

NHS Shetland’s consultant in public health Dr Susan Laidlaw said all the cases were linked to the original positive cases in the North Mainland, either directly or through household spread.

She also said that if the outbreak is brought under control then there was a chance Shetland might not be moved to level four of Scotland’s Covid restrictions.

“The spread has been largely linked to hospitality venues and socialising within households, but not necessarily through people doing anything wrong or not following guidance,” Dr Laidlaw said. “Many of the cases are within the same few households.

“The best way to reduce your risk of being exposed to Covid and becoming infected, is to minimise contact with other people as much as you can.

“If you do have to see other people then please keep to at least a 2m distance as much as possible and continue of course to wear masks and wash hands.

“We are especially concerned for those who have been on the shielding list and would advise people who are particularly vulnerable to take care again and minimise their contact with others.”

Dr Laidlaw said for the time being Shetland would not move out of level three to four, noting that any change would be a Scottish Government decision based on a number of factors.

“We have only been in level three for a few days, and we believe that our community can get this under control which would mean we would not have to move to level four. However, if the rate of new infections does not slow down, then this will be reconsidered.”

MSPs are due to be updated on the national rise in cases in the Scottish Parliament tomorrow (Wednesday).

More information on level three restrictions can be found here.