Four deaths involving Covid in January, figures show

THE DEATHS of four people in Shetland who had Covid-19 mentioned on their death certificate were registered in January, according to National Records of Scotland data.

The data also shows another death registered in December.

Earlier this week NHS Shetland public health director Dr Susan Laidlaw said Covid cases in the community have increased recently.

It came as NHS Shetland cancelled most planned operations this week due to staff illness.

However, NHS Shetland does not have any community-wide figures for flu and Covid because only high-risk people or those in high-risk settings, such as those in hospital, are tested.

Dr Laidlaw encouraged people to take “sensible precautions” to help reduce the spread of respiratory viruses this winter.

“If you have symptoms, stay at home if you can, or only attend outside events,” she said.

“At the very least, avoid unnecessary contact with folk you know could be vulnerable.

“If you do need to be in contact, limit the amount of time, have good ventilation, wear a mask, wash hands, and practice good respiratory hygiene.”