NHS Shetland ‘remains focused’ on slowing Covid-19 spread
NHS Shetland has said it remains focused on slowing the spread of coronavirus.
In the coming weeks, the number of cases will rise substantially, NHS Shetland said, but added that the symptoms are mild and most people will recover quickly.
Scottish government figures today (Saturday) confirmed 11 cases in Shetland, which was reported yesterday (Friday).
The number of cases hit double digits on Friday, more than doubling to 11, following cases tripling on Thursday to six.
NHS Shetland pointed out that changes to the testing regime brought about by the move to the ‘delay’ phase mean that the numbers of confirmed cases moving into next week will only capture tests undertaken for people who are unwell in hospital with suspected Covid-19.
NHS Shetland said it will align with “expert advice and actions” given by the Scottish government and Health Protection Scotland.
There is increased risk to the elderly and those with underlying health issues which is why it is so important to take every possible step to keep the most vulnerable in our community safe, NHS Shetland said.
Meanwhile, across Scotland confirmed cases have surpassed 100 for the first time, with 121 positive tests reported by the Scottish government as of 2pm on Saturday.
Scotland has entered the ‘delay’ phase of handling the pandemic, with the Scottish government advising that gatherings of more than 500 people are to be cancelled.
The first death of a patient from Covid-19 in Scotland was announced on Friday. The patient, who was being treated by Lothian Health Board, was an older person who had underlying health conditions.
NHS Shetland asked that all folk be “meticulous about washing hands with soap and water or using hand sanitiser. Use and dispose of tissues safely and stay away from anyone who in a vulnerable group if you are even mildly ill”.
The isles health body said that public guidance has also changed due to the ‘delay’ phase, meaning:
Those with symptoms (new cough, fever, shortness of breath), regardless of their travel history or contact with confirmed cases, must stay at home for seven days.
However, these people will not be tested nor contact tracing undertaken. Those who have travelled or come into contact with someone who was later diagnosed as a COVID-19 risk but who do not have symptoms do not need to stay at home.
If you have mild symptoms you do not need to alert your health centre or call NHS24 (111). However, if your symptoms worsen, you must contact your Health Centre or call NHS24 on 111.
Sue Horne
So the UK is counting only some cases of the Corona virus – a bit like Iran then really!
john ridland
If we all work together things will be much better for all concerned .
Immature ,pathetic childish remarks just help no one ,,,
Ian Tinkler
This is a nasty disease, it should not be politicised, sadly a few have already done that.
We also have really nasty comments on social media, Iain Malcomson being unnecessarily and stupidly vilified. Even at a local level children and caring parents being belittled and insulted for using play areas. I understand some people are frightened but there is no need for ignorant and nasty comments about their fellow citizens and neighbours. I am afraid there is a headless chicken reaction from a few but there is absolutely no need for ignorant criticism.
Wayne Conroy
For once a good comment from ian here… just a shame he cant take his own advice!
Ian Tinkler
A lesson there for you Wayne!!
Graham Fleming
The decision of Brexit, has probably pushed Britain to the end of the que ,if the vaccine is not produced here,The European Medicine Agency formerly of London, now Amsterdam will prioritise the home market of 500 million people rightly first,having the muscle to negotiate terms on an economy of scale basis.The coronavirus virus is going to devastate families and many businesses and jobs ain’t going to be around next year,the last thing business people need is this Brexit nonsense finalised at the end of the year
It is time government got its priorities right,bin it now, and get on ,getting the country back on its feet.
John M Scott
This is probably one of the stupidest and most ill informed comments I have ever read on here. Politicising a pandemic……SHAME ON YOU
Graham Ball
Graham Fleming, the last thing we need now is remoaners resurrecting Project Fear.
You should be ashamed of yourself.
Ian Tinkler
Covid19 is a nasty disease, and it should not be politicised. Note that Graham Fleming SNP mouthpiece (self apointed I hope).
Brexit is a total irrelevance here; however, I would just like to point out Imperial College ULond is regarded as the World Leader in epidemiology. The World Scientific Research Universities are predominantly the US, UK and Chinese, and the EU is nowhere. Further to that, any first vaccine will be for Worldwide distribution if pioneered in the UK, and I would assume the EU would allow World Wide access and manufacture.
If we, the EU or any nation are facile enough to try and use financial muscle to dominate or limit vaccine distributions based on the market share I think, China would have the edge!! God help an Indy Scotland in such a bleak and wholly hypothetical scenario.
Alastair Ball
Typical re-moaner, prey on peoples fears to subvert democracy.
Andy Holt
It appears to me that not only our government, but the majority of governments around the world have very much “got (their) priorities right” with regard to covid-19. They deserve our support, prayers and where necessary, criticism. I haven’t heard a single UK or EU politician even utter the ‘B’ word for weeks. A blessed relief. Sensibly, far from binning a democratic decision they’ve parked it for now. But it hasn’t gone away, it will be enacted and I suggest you get over it. Cheers.
Peter Hamilton
Oh yes Andy, let us pray for our leaders as they wrestle to decide the appropriate level of concern to show to a hungry family squeezed in to temporary accommodation for the next 2 to 20 weeks, whilst nanny takes their children down to the other wing to let them eat cake.
And let us pray for the financial advisers of our leading disaster capitalists who work hard, at arms length, and strictly within the confines of client confidentiality, to ensure they again come up ahead, moving their numerous assets from place to place as things turn down and later up, the better to come further ahead.
And let us pray that this situation not be politicised by those seeking to re-tilt the scales of social justice back in favour of the undeserving poor, for the meek shall inherit the earth that shall cover their pauper’s graves.
But let us pray too for those on who this whole system preys on, including the homeless who have finally now become a concern, as they will need isolated, for their own good. You understand.
Pray too for democracy as censorship slips in unannounced, along with two years of demonstration free emergency measures.