NHSWI confirm another six cases of Covid in the current outbreak at the Western Isles Hospital

In his evening broadcast last night , chief executive Gordon Jamieson confirmed that the ‘majority’ of these cases were staff at the hospital site, bringing the total number of cases to 12 people.

On the good news front, he also confirmed that there were no new positive cases associated with either Barra or Uist.

Residents are reminded that contact tracing is underway and a number of people have already been asked to self isolate. The cases are a combination of both staff and patients. The families of affected patients have been contacted and we ask that families of patients do not contact the hospital for further details related to this outbreak as the hospital is extremely busy and staff are unable to provide further details of those affected.

Services in hospital are currently running as normal but will be kept under constant review. Any changes will be communicated.

Visiting in the Western Isles Hospital is currently restricted to essential visiting only as a result of the outbreak.

Clearly, these numbers are concerning and it is vital that our communities do not take any unnecessary risks and are particularly vigilant in terms of any symptoms and immediately self isolate (along with their entire household) and book a test if they develop symptoms, regardless of how mild. Please do not assume that symptoms are only a cold or another winter virus – any symptoms common to COVID-19 should be tested to ensure that the virus is not inadvertently spread through communities.

Of particular importance is that you must not meet anyone who is not in your household indoors in your home. The exception to this is if you are required to go into another household to provide care and support for a vulnerable person. This can include providing emotional support for someone whose wellbeing is at risk, including for those who are isolated because of disability or a caring situation.

In addition, you must not travel into or out of the area unless your travel is absolutely essential. Even if your travel is classed as ‘essential’ under current government legislation, we would strongly urge that even travel which comes under this definition is carefully assessed at this time and that, where travel can be safely avoided or delayed, we would ask that this is considered.

It is imperative that each member of the community takes a personal responsibility to help protect the wider community, friends, family, and colleagues as well as safeguarding and protecting the local health and social care services. FACTS guidance should be adhered to in all circumstances:

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.

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.

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 immediately self isolate and book a test.

You should not attend your workplace and children in the household should not attend school/nursery.

To access testing in the Western Isles, contact the COVID-19 Response Team on 01851 601151 or email: [email protected]