Two further coronavirus cases in Uist outbreak brings total to 45

NHS Western Isles has confirmed there were two more positive cases of Covid-19 in the Uist outbreak identified yesterday (Wednesday, October 7).
A further two people have tested positive for the coronavirus in South Uist.A further two people have tested positive for the coronavirus in South Uist.
A further two people have tested positive for the coronavirus in South Uist.

Both the individuals involved are in South Uist.

In his regular update, NHS Western Isles chief executive Gordon Jamieson last night highlighted the new measures announced by the Scottish Government earlier in the day.

He said: “Over the weekend, starting on Friday, there are enhanced restrictions and measures coming into place that are designed to suppress and contain the virus and prevent spread.

“Please make yourself familiar with these and please adhere to these restrictions.”

Mr Jamieson also encouraged everyone to continue to follow the FACTS guidance.

“If we do these things, we have the best chance of containing and suppressing the virus,” he said.

The new measures, which come into force at 6pm tomorrow (Friday, October 9) are:

Hospitality (food and drink): all premises may only open indoors between 6am and 6pm, with no sales of alcohol;

• Hospitality (food and drink): premises may open outdoors until 10pm, with sales of alcohol (where licensed);

• Takeaways (including from pubs and restaurants) can continue;

• Evening meals may be served in accommodation for residents only but no alcohol can be served;

• Current meeting rules, maximum of six people from two households, continue to apply;

• Specific life events, such as weddings and funerals, may continue with alcohol being served, with current meeting rules for these events (20 person limit in regulated premises only).

Additionally, from this weekend, shops are asked to return to two metres physical distancing and reintroduce the mitigations they put in place earlier in the pandemic, including one-way systems.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are:

• A high temperature (37.8C of greater)

• And/or a new and continuous cough

• And/or a loss or change in your sense of smell and/or taste.

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, you and your household should should immediately self isolate and book a test. To access testing in the Western Isles, contact the Covid-19 Response Team on 01851 601151 or email [email protected] The phoneline will be staffed from 9am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, with an answering machine available outwith those hours.

Alternatively you can complete the online Covid-19 Testing Programme Referral Form (NHS Western Isles)

FACTS

F – Face coverings. These should be used in shops and on public transport (buses, trains and taxis)

A – Avoid crowded places.

C – Clean your hands frequently, using water & soap whenever possible.

T – Two metres – observe physical distancing.

S – Self-isolate and book a test if you are suffering from COVID-19 symptoms.