Update on Uist outbreak

A total of 17 individuals in South Uist have tested positive for the virus that causes COVID-19 infection.   

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

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

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. 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.  

A Problem Assessment Group (PAG) met on Friday and an Incident Management Team (IMT) met today 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: “The individuals involved have been asked to self isolate for ten days from onset of symptoms and we are tracing all their contacts, who are also being advised to self isolate, for fourteen days, from the date of their last contact with the case as a precaution. We would like to 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. 

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

“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 below. 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).” 

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. 

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 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-hb.covid19queries@nhs.net The phoneline will be staffed from 9am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday with an answering machine available outwith those hours.

Alternatively you can complete the online COVID-19 Testing Programme Referral Form (NHS Western Isles)https://www.coronavirus.wi.nhs.scot/?page_id=2195 

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