News

NHS Western Isles Chief Executive Gordon Jamieson can confirm that we received confirmation today that two individuals in the Western Isles have tested positive for COVID-19.

The individuals are based on the Isle of Lewis. To protect patient confidentiality, we will not be providing any further details of the individuals.

NHS Western Isles is now taking steps to identify possible routes of infection.

NHS Western Isles Chief Executive, Gordon Jamieson, and Chair, Ian Burgess, released the following statement: “ Whilst we are clearly disappointed that we now have confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Western Isles, we would reassure members of the public that we have been preparing for this situation over a number of weeks and we are heartened by the fact that so many people across our islands have been following the government guidelines to stay at home, to help us prevent any further spread of cases.

“We cannot emphasise enough the importance of staying at home and social distancing at this time.”

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are a new continuous cough and/or a fever/high temperature (37.8C or greater).

A new continuous cough is where you:

• have a new cough that’s lasted for an hour
• have had 3 or more episodes of coughing in 24 hours
• are coughing more than usual

If you’ve developed a new continuous cough and/or a fever/high temperature in the last 7 days, stay at home for 7 days from the start of your symptoms even if you think your symptoms are mild. Do not go to your GP, pharmacy or hospital. Read our stay at home guidance for households with possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection.

You should phone 111 if:

• your symptoms worsen during home isolation, especially if you’re in a high or extremely high risk group
• breathlessness develops or worsens, particularly if you’re in a high or extremely high risk group
• your symptoms haven’t improved in 7 days

If you have a medical emergency, phone 999 and tell them you have COVID-19 symptoms.

If you don't have symptoms and are looking for general information, phone the free helpline on 0800 028 2816.

The helpline is open from 8.00am to 10.00pm each day.

Visit https://www.nhsinform.scot/coronavirus for further information.