Plea from NHS workers as Covid-19 hits the Western Isles

NHS Western Isles has confirmed that there are now three cases of coronavirus in the Western Isles.
NHS Western Isles workers ask people to keep themselves safeNHS Western Isles workers ask people to keep themselves safe
NHS Western Isles workers ask people to keep themselves safe

These cases of Covid-19 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.

With the disease now having reached the Isles, health bopard staff are promoting key health messages for the general public, reminding them of the importance of keeping self-isolated, washing hands regularly and keeping to the social distancing two metre rule between individuals.

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Whilst the majority of the public are adhering to Government guidance, there are still those who do not, risking themselves, those they care about, and others they come into contact with.

Gordon Jamieson, NHS Western Isles chief executive, said “We understand that this is a difficult time, but every person has a role to play and we need to remind everyone that our islands need to buy as much time as they possibly can in the fight against coronavirus.

“It is vital to maintain social distancing and limit the amount of time spent outdoors.

“We urge individuals to limit their shopping trips to only once/twice a week, adhere to no more than one hour outdoors for exercise each day and ensure they wash their hands regularly throughout the day, for at least 20 seconds.

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“We are also reminded to keep to the two metre distance rule between individuals when out of doors.”

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, wash your hands with soap and water or alcohol hand sanitiser for at least 20 seconds before eating and drinking, and after coughing, sneezing and going to the toilet;

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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;

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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.

If you don’t have symptoms and are looking for general information a free helpline is open 8am-10pm each day by calling 0800 028 2816.

For more information visit www.nhsinform.scot/coronavirus.

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