COVID-19 cluster identified on Barra

Three individuals who are residents of Barra have this week tested positive for COVID-19. Two individuals have unfortunately been hospitalised as a result – one was airlifted to a mainland hospital and the other was transferred to Western Isles Hospital in Stornoway. 

Test and Protect actions are well underway and a number of close contacts have been required to self isolate. 

Two of the cases are clearly linked with no clear link for the third case at this point. 

At this time, we would ask the residents of Barra to be particularly vigilant in terms of any symptoms and to 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 such symptoms are 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.  

An Incident Management Team (IMT) met today (Tuesday) and is working with Scottish Government, and Public Health Scotland to provide advice and support. We would advise the local community that, as part of the identification of cases of COVID-19 and close contacts of cases, the decision has been taken to close St Brendan’s Hospital and Care Home to visiting until further notice. NHS Western Isles will update on this as necessary.  

In addition, NHS Western Isles is providing an important reminder to the population of Barra to ensure that all members of the community are aware of and follow Protection Level 3 laws and restrictions.  

Of particular importance is that you must not meet anyone who is not in your household indoors in your home or in their 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 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 carefully considered. 

It is imperative that each member of the community of Barra 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. 

NHS Western Isles would also stress that individuals who have been identified as close contacts and advised by the Test and Protect team to self isolate should complete their period of self isolation, even if they subsequently have a test for COVID-19 and test negative, as they may be asymptomatic and incubating the virus, and could still pass it on to others. 

To respect and maintain patient confidentiality, we will not be releasing any further patient-specific details at this time. 

NHS Western Isles Chief Executive, Gordon Jamieson, said: “Our staff are working extremely hard in terms of Test and Protect, and important advice has been provided to all close contacts of the three cases identified. If we are to prevent the spread of this virus through Barra, everyone must play their part and ensure they follow the rules and strictly avoid any unnecessary risks. COVID-19 thrives on complacency. 

“In particular we are asking that everyone ensures they do not meet anyone who is not in their household within their home. Also, non essential travel must be avoided.” 

He added: “These cases on Barra have given us cause for serious concern, given that two individuals have required hospitalisation, and there are a number of close contacts already identified. We must all work together to ensure any spread of the virus is suppressed.” 

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: wi.covid19queries@nhs.scot 

The phoneline will be staffed from 9am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday with an answering machine available outwith those hours. 

We would ask that individuals who are tested through Test and Protect do not contact their GP or hospital for their results. If tested, you will be contacted directly with the result at the earliest opportunity. 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 (and your household) will be required to self isolate for 10 days.

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

Issued Tuesday 12^th January 2021