News

Ten new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in the Western Isles yesterday (Wednesday). 

Six new cases are linked to an outbreak in Western Isles Hospital in Stornoway. Contact tracing is underway and a number of people have already been asked to self isolate. The cases are a combination of both staff and patients. The families of affected patients have been contacted and we ask that families of patients do not contact the hospital for further details related to this outbreak as the hospital is extremely busy and staff are unable to provide further details of those affected. 

Services in hospital are currently running as normal but will be kept under constant review. Any changes will be communicated.  

Visiting in the Western Isles Hospital is currently restricted to essential visiting only as a result of the outbreak. 

There has also been a new cluster of three cases in Benbecula. This cluster, and the associated close contacts, are unfortunately impacting on Griminish Surgery. The Surgery will be closed today – but patients can call ahead to arrange collection of medication. The Practice will post updates and arrangements for patients on their Facebook page.  

Contingency arrangements for Uist and Barra Hospital are also being planned, as medical staff from the Griminish Surgery provide cover for the hospital. 

There is a further case on South Uist linked to a previous positive case. 

Clearly, these numbers are concerning and it is vital that our communities do not take any unnecessary risks and are particularly vigilant in terms of any symptoms and 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 symptoms are only 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.  

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

It is imperative that each member of the community 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. 

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.

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