Coronavirus / Twelve new Covid cases in last two days
A TOTAL of 12 new Covid cases have been confirmed in Shetland in the last couple of days.
Four cases were reported on Monday, and a further eight were included in Tuesday’s Scottish Government figures.
NHS Shetland said cases currently are either people who have developed very mild symptoms and requested a PCR tes or, more commonly, people who have been contact traced.
Often there is a link with travel south, but this has not been clear cut for every cluster which means there is some asymptomatic spread in the community.
NHS Shetland interim director of public health Dr Susan Laidlaw said: “It is inevitable as restrictions ease and people mix more frequently in bigger groups that the number of cases and contacts we identify will continue to increase, with a greater risk of transmission in the community.
“Although most of the spread to contacts is within household and family settings we are still seeing spread to others, especially through social gatherings.
“I think vaccination is helping to limit the numbers to some extent but of course there are people, including children, who are not vaccinated.
“People who are vaccinated can and do still get infected, but it does help prevent serious illness. We all still need to take care and follow the current guidance for level zero. And of course, the more contacts who are identified then the more people there are who are required to isolate at home, even if they do not have a positive test.”
The new cases mean a total of 30 have been confirmed in Shetland since the start of July.
At present the advice to help prevent the spread of covid remains exactly the same.
If you develop covid symptoms, however mild, or if you have a positive lateral flow test, then immediately self-isolate with your household and request a PCR test.
This is regardless of your vaccination status. Keep washing hands, wear a face covering when required, distance from other people in public places and avoid crowds.
Meet people outside rather than indoors and if you are indoors have good ventilation and stick to the level zero rules on the number of people who can meet together.
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.
