Great news as NHS Western Isles considers the Uist Covid-19 outbreak is at an end.

As it is now more than 14 days since the confirmation of the last positive case of COVID-19 infection associated with South Uist, Eriskay and Benbecula, NHS Western Isles considers that this outbreak has come to an end.
By John A. MacInnes
Published 30th Oct 2020, 12:14 BST
The 14-day quarantine period for the last person affected has now expired, therefore NHSWI has announced the outbreak has run its course.The 14-day quarantine period for the last person affected has now expired, therefore NHSWI has announced the outbreak has run its course.
The 14-day quarantine period for the last person affected has now expired, therefore NHSWI has announced the outbreak has run its course.

This has been the first major outbreak in the Western Isles with more than 50 people infected and more than 280 people asked to self-isolate as contacts. Regrettably, there was one death in the care home during this time. The care home will continue with its restrictions on admissions, discharges and visiting for a further two weeks.

Although most people who contracted the infection were not especially unwell and were able to recover in their own homes, some required medical assistance or hospitalisation, so we are very aware that this virus is not only very infectious but also can cause significant problems to some people. There are also the additional long-term unknown risks associated with ‘long COVID’.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

We ask people across the Western Isles to continue to observe the COVID-19 restrictions that remain in place around households not getting together or visiting in each other’s homes yet, limiting travel, and avoiding car sharing where possible; alongside the personal behaviours of physical distancing, washing your hands and wearing face coverings in public areas.

We would also ask that people who need to travel for essential reasons to and from the mainland to be extra vigilant for symptoms - notably the characteristic ones for COVID-19 infection: of fever, or new continuous cough, or loss or change in sense of taste or smell. Other symptoms that people with COVID-19 infection can show are severe headache, aching bones or gastro-intestinal upset. If you are in doubt, then please self-isolate at home with your household and seek 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) https://www.coronavirus.wi.nhs.scot/?page_id=2195

FACTS

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

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.

Please also ensure that you maintain good respiratory hygiene - cough or sneeze into a tissue and dispose of the tissue in a bin, or alternatively cough/sneeze into your elbow.

Visit www.coronavirus.wi.nhs.scot or www.nhsinform.scot/ for further advice or information

Related topics:Western IslesBenbecula