‘Very low’ number of Covid cases in hospital and care homes
THE NUMBERS of Covid cases in Shetland’s hospital and care homes have decreased “very low levels”.
The update was given at a meeting of the NHS Shetland board on Tuesday.
Board chairman Gary Robinson said the public health team now only monitors Covid in the Gilbert Bain Hospital and care homes.
But he said in the last month the incidence of Covid in these settings has decreased to very low levels.
There was, however, two Covid outbreaks in the hospital in January among patients and staff.
Director of nursing and acute services Kathleen Carolan said the cases were managed well within the hospital, and were to be expected given the prevalence of Covid in the community.
People are still reminded to continue with good respiratory hygiene and hand washing.
The advice remains that if someone is feeling unwell or has a high temperature they should stay off work, or not attend their usual activities, until they feel better.
Most people do not need to test for Covid if they are displaying symptoms – only those eligible for treatment, frontline health and social care staff, care home residents and patients in hospital should test.
Masks are still used in hospital and if required in other healthcare settings and care homes.
Carolan added that it is “strongly recommended that you wear a mask in the hospital environment”.
She said the health board is about to carry out some communication work around mask wearing and hand hygiene as the Gilbert Bain Hospital restaurant is due to open to the public soon.
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