Positive cases rise to 19 in South Uist Covid cluster

A further two people have tested positive for Covid-19.

Test and Protect actions are ongoing. The individuals are from the southern end of the Uists.

One patient with COVID-19 infection has been transferred to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow for treatment. NHS Western Isles no further information as to their condition. All other patients are managing their symptoms at home.

Contact tracing is ongoing. Close contacts are being advised to self-isolate and other identified contacts are being followed up and given appropriate advice.

A Problem Assessment Group (PAG) met on Friday and an Incident Management Team (IMT) met yesterday (Monday) and is working with Scottish Government, and Public Health Scotland to provide advice and support.

NHS Western Isles Director of Public Health, Dr Maggie Watts, said: “We would like to reassure our local communities and visitors to the island that we are taking all necessary steps to contain the virus but it is vital that everyone in the Western Isles follows the current Scottish Government restrictions and FACTS guidance to limit any spread of the virus.”

NHS Western Isles Chief Executive, Gordon Jamieson, said: “Our staff are working extremely hard in terms of Test and Protect. If we are to be able to contain and suppress this outbreak, people must follow the rules. Covid-19 thrives on complacency.

“Follow the FACTS guidance. You should not meet with anyone from outside your household socially indoors in your home or their home (this applies to all age groups but with the exception of extended households).

“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.

“We would further advise that individuals do not car share, unless absolutely necessary; and disposable gloves should not be worn when shopping – hand sanitizer should be used before and after shopping and you should only touch items that you wish to buy.”

HOSPITAL VISITING

NHS Western Isles has taken the decision to restrict visiting in Ospadal Uibhist agus Bharraigh to essential visiting only. This decision is being implemented with immediate effect as a precautionary measure.

Essential Visiting examples include a parent accompanying a child; in maternity settings, partners or birth partners being able to attend ante-natal, clinic or scan appointments with their partner; when someone has reached the end of their life, has a life-threatening illness, when someone is receiving difficult news, or similar situations; when people have a mental health issue such as dementia, autism or learning disabilities.

The following general restriction applies for all visitors:

• Do not visit anyone in hospital if you are unwell or have any symptoms of Covid-19 (regardless of how mild they are), or if you have been identified as a contact of anyone with COVID-19.

• All visitors must hand sanitize and wear a face mask.

The Virtual Visiting service remains in place for those who wish to book a virtual visit with a friend/relative in hospital.

To book a visit with a patient in Ospadal Uibhist agus Bharraigh, please telephone 01870 603601.

Once your visit is scheduled, you can log on to https://www.wihb.scot.nhs.uk/i-am-a-visitor/welcome to attend your appointment.

DENTAL SERVICE: UIST AND BENBECULA

The dental clinic in Liniclate will limit appointments to emergency care only for the next few days. This reduces both travel and contact between members of the public, and dental staff.

NHS Western Isles hopes to lift this restriction as soon as it can be confirmed that the current outbreak has been controlled.

At present, patients in Uist and Benbecula seeking dental advice should call the practice on 01870 602178. Callers will be assessed for urgency by dental staff and urgent cases given priority.

Do not attend the clinic without calling first.

HEALTHCARE APPOINTMENTS

In terms of appointments in hospital or with other healthcare staff in the Uists, NHS Western Isles would advise patients that, at this stage, there is no change to patient appointments and they will continue as planned, unless you are notified otherwise.

TEST RESULTS

Individuals who are tested through Test and Protect should not contact their GP or hospital for their results.

If tested, you will be contacted directly with the result. Please ensure that you provide accurate contact details and self isolate (i.e. do not leave your house) until you receive your result.

If your result is positive, you will be required to self isolate for 10 days.

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.