Coronavirus cases rise to 15
Coronavirus Disease 2019 Graphic. (U.S. Air Force Graphic by Rosario "Charo" Gutierrez)
Confirmed coronavirus cases in the isles have risen to 15, an increase of four in a day.
Scottish government figures showed the rise, as of 2pm on Monday.
Across Scotland the number of positive cases has also increased to 171 – up from 153 on Sunday.
The testing regime has changed since moving into the ‘delay’ phase, meaning that only tests undertaken for people who are unwell in hospital with suspected Covid-19 are being taken, and there will be no community testing.
Danny inkster
How can we gauge and accurate level of the spread and thus the level of danger if testing is being restricted to those unwell in hospital? Gov advise is to self isolate if you feel unwell?
Stuart Paton
There was a lot off important information in the press conference today on BBC that will explain the current situation.
Link listed below
https://youtu.be/wTC8-og9W3Q
Anne Gair
I agree, I think we should all be tested. The government needs to put that into place, especially for people that have other illnesses going on too!
Ian Tinkler
Just who will do the 20,000 plus tests, Anne? Just what value would the resulting data tell us? People with other illness need isolation for 3 months, nothing more. simple really.
Ian Inkster
Shetlands are relatively lucky in terms of the likelihood of local diasaster arising from COVID 19. All the more informed comparisons show that large urban and industrial areas with regional or national borders that are difficult to control, may be ones with good facilities but are also ones where this virus spreads quite quickly. In such places, even a move to zero new infections as in and around Hebei, China is no measure of safety, because returning citizens will endanger a second wave of infection.
In much of Shetland the population is scattered in small settlements. This is quite a different situation from those described above – a reasonable social distancing and self-isolation behaviour should keep numbers very minimal, it is travel in and out that needs looking at carefully.
The stronger the community the more reliable local information can circulate, rather than through the internet, facebook and mischievious social media. Local practitioners and community leaders have a much better chance of getting the right folk tested and quarantined, roping in a variety of hospitals and GPs into cooperative activities, assuming people will be reponsible to their fellows as well as unto themselves.
Prof Ian Inkster, SOAS, London.
Anne Gair
The first thing I think we need to do is to stop people travelling in and out of the islands on boats and planes, we would all be in a safer position when that has been tackled. People here in Shetland can help minimise the spread by doing what we have been doing, staying away from crowds and only travelling when necessary. As for shopping, it would help if the likes of the CO-OP and Tesco delivered to people while this situation is ongoing. Obviously they will need extra staff to carry out this task. Tesco I know already do deliveries, but I know of people that have tried ordering from them and have been told they cannot get a delivery for over a fortnight. That situation is unsustainable and I’m sure there would be people who would help in regards to the situation we find ourselves in at present! My neighbour Allison and her friend Alistair offered to do our shopping for us, as we are both pensioners, and I thank them very much for their kindness. This neighbourly sort of kindness could help us all to stay safe!
Anne Gair
Mr.Ian Tinkler; we are now per capita ahead of the whole of the uk for people being infected. Did you have to be so glib in your answer to my earlier letter?
Hopefully, it slows down a bit now!
Ian Tinkler
Simple lock yourself down Anne. The Virus will not get you then. Actually, people travelling in and out is vital for our survival. Vital supplies such as food and medicine are moved by people. Also the occasional nurse, Dr. and people have to crew the boats and fly the planes. What do you suggest, parachute drops?