COVID-19 cases update - another case in Lewis is detected

The cases are all on the Isle of Lewis, and all individuals are managing their own symptoms at home, and are being followed up daily by NHS staff.

In a public message, NHS Western Isles chair Ian Burgess, gave his thanks for the work being done to care for the vulnerable and combat the spread of the virus.

The message detailed: “I am writing this message to pass on my grateful thanks to both our NHS Western Isles staff and staff of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Social Care who are working tirelessly in our hospitals, communities and care homes throughout the Islands to continue to provide excellent care to our population.

“My thanks also go to the many volunteers throughout our communities who are helping us defeat this awful virus.

“It is truly humbling to see our community come together, work together and support our most vulnerable individuals and groups.

“I would like to sincerely welcome and thank those members of staff who are returning from retirement to help the effort by putting their considerable experience and competence to helping others.

“We are told to practise ‘social distancing’ and isolation measures designed to reduce our interaction with others and reduce the opportunities for the virus to spread.

“Worldwide we have seen that isolation is effective in reducing and slowing down the spread of the virus.

“So please follow this important advice for as long as it takes. It is vital to protect your local NHS services across the Western Isles.

“I have been so impressed with the planning that has gone on over a number of weeks to prepare for COVID-19. Our staff across the board have excelled themselves and have worked tirelessly to plan and prepare, so that we can care for our patients to the best of our ability in the toughest of times.

“My grateful thanks to all of you for doing what you do so well, especially in the midst of all this planning and preparation work which may soon prove to be vital.

“I personally take great comfort from our community’s faith and pray your kept safe in your work.”

You can reduce your risk of getting and spreading the infection by:

Avoiding direct hand contact with your eyes, nose and mouth

Maintaining good hand hygiene

Avoiding direct contact with people that have a respiratory illness and avoiding using their personal items such as their mobile phone

Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing with disposable tissues and disposing of them in the nearest waste bin after use

Following the stay at home guidance for households with possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection if someone in your household has symptoms

Making sure everyone in your household follows the Government advice to stay at home as much as possible and to stay away from other people

Following the stay at home advice if someone in your household has symptoms

Making sure everyone in your household follows the social distancing advice, especially anyone in a vulnerable group

Helping those at extremely high risk of severe illness with COVID-19 to follow the shielding advice