NHS Western Isles urges our communities to continue with basic measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19

More than 250 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in the Western Isles in the past 10 days, and we have seen high numbers of test requests over recent days.  

NHS Western Isles is reminding our communities that the requirement for a period of self-isolation is still in place in Scotland if you test positive for COVID-19. The current number of individuals in self-isolation is now having an impact on public services, including NHS services, where staff absence as a result of self-isolation (or having to isolate with a child or dependent) is putting pressure on our ability to provide a full range of services.  

If numbers continue to rise, it is likely that a range of local organisations, services and businesses will be adversely affected in terms of staff absence. 

We would stress that hospital admission rates linked to COVID-19 thankfully, although fairly constant, remain low, and the majority of people in the Western Isles who contract COVID-19 are experiencing mild or no symptoms. However, it remains the case that for some people, catching COVID-19 can still cause significant ill-health.  

NHS Western Isles Chief Executive, Gordon Jamieson, said: “Whilst we welcome increased freedoms and easing of restrictions, COVID-19 is unfortunately not going away. We currently have evidence of community transmission in the Western Isles and while the virus continues to spread, it will have a varying impact on people’s lives, both in terms of disruption where self-isolation requirements remain in place, and for some, in terms of their health.  

“Our communities have worked so hard over the past two years to protect each other and we should all be proud of our efforts. We must continue to work together to take the measures that we can, and are able to, to minimise the spread or transmission and disruption, to protect both health and the local economy.” 

NHS Western Isles Consultant in Public Health Medicine, Dr Dermot Gorman, added: “We would ask that people continue to take the simple, yet important steps that we are all so well aware of to protect our communities and services. “Firstly, we would remind people of the importance of self-isolating and booking a PCR test if you have symptoms. Lateral Flow Device (LFD) tests are designed for use when you don't have symptoms (so called ‘asymptomatic testing') – please continue to do regular LFDs if you are well. However, if you have even mild symptoms (even with a negative LFD result) you should arrange a PCR test by calling 01851 601151 or emailing  wi.covid19queries@nhs.scot

“Hand hygiene remains of vital importance and it’s a simple measure to take to help protect yourself from picking up germs. When the weather allows, please keep windows open if you are meeting with others indoors. We would also strongly encourage the continued use of face coverings in public, in particular indoors. 

“Please also be mindful of the number of people you have close contact with and take precautions in particular when attending large events. Remember to take your LFD test before mixing in large groups and record your results online via https://www.nhsinform.scot/campaigns/coronavirus-covid-19-report-your-test-result. Please don’t take risks and mix with others if you’re symptomatic.” 

In the Western Isles, there has been an excellent uptake of the COVID vaccine. Vaccination remains our best protector against the virus and against getting seriously ill from COVID-19. We continue to urge anyone eligible who has not yet been vaccinated – or who is due a second or booster dose – to attend one of our drop-in clinics advertised at coronavirus.wi.nhs.scot