Five more test positive for Covid
ANOTHER five people have tested positive for Covid in Shetland, the health board says.
These are all linked to the cases reported over the past few days.
Contacts have been traced and are isolating and being tested.
This means that a total of 12 new cases have been confirmed in recent days.
NHS Shetland warned that although these cases and contacts are primarily in the north mainland of Shetland, as people are moving around more in level zero, there is increased potential for spread elsewhere across the islands.
It come after the council confirmed that parents and carers of all primary four to seven pupils at Mossbank Primary School have been asked to keep their children at home this week.
NHS Shetland interim director of public health Dr Susan Laidlaw reiterated the best ways to help prevent further spread of the virus in Shetland:
- Continue to be vigilant for symptoms and isolate and request a PCR test if you get a new cough, fever or loss / change in sense of smell or taste.
- Continue to wear a face covering and physically distance in those settings where it is required and keep washing hands
- Make sure buildings and vehicles are well ventilated
- Do regular asymptomatic lateral flow tests. These may be provided from your employer or you can order online / by phone or pick up from a designated centre.
- Do lateral flow tests if you are returning from South.
- If not already vaccinated, get your first dose of Covid vaccine as soon as possible, then get your second dose when called at eight weeks.
If people are eligible and have not yet had a first dose, call 01595 743319 and leave a message.
Vaccination reduces the risk of serious illness and may help to prevent spread as well.
There are two different types of tests: PCR and LFD (lateral flow) and NHS Shetland said it is “vital to understand the difference”.
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“If you develop Covid symptoms or think you may have Covid, no matter how minor symptoms may seem, you must self-isolate and book a PCR test immediately,” a spokesperson said.
“These tests can be booked online via https://www.shb.scot.nhs.uk.
“LFD or lateral flow tests are for anyone who is not displaying symptoms, and these can be done twice a week. It is important to do LFD tests when visiting Shetland or returning to Shetland from the Scottish mainland as an LFD test may pick up if you are infected with Covid and infectious to others but have no symptoms.
“These tests can be ordered online and usually arrive by post within two days.”
Alternatively people can pick up LFD kits locally from some community pharmacies including Boots, Laings, Brae Pharmacy and Scalloway Pharmacy.
There are also some community dispensaries offering kits: Whalsay Health Centre, Mid Yell Health Centre and Unst Health Centre.
Starting from today (Monday) LFD kits will be available from the test and protect team at the Greenhead base at Gremista.
This is located at the Peterson’s offices opposite JBT.
The opening hours for collection of kits are Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm. People are asked to wear a face covering and ring the intercom on the wall.
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