Covid cases have risen in Shetland.
Following yesterday’s Scottish Government figures highlighting a further rise in Covid cases in Shetland, a number of possible reasons for the increase have been identified.
Susan Laidlaw, Interim Director of Public Health for NHS Shetland explained: “There are a number of possible reasons why we are seeing a continuing increase in numbers that are not in line with other parts of Scotland.
“We know that nearly all of our 79 cases reported yesterday were identified through lateral flow tests, a far higher proportion compared to other areas. This suggests that people in Shetland are being conscientious about taking lateral flow tests and are reporting the results.
“However, at the same time, people may not be adhering to the guidance to help reduce the spread in the community in the same way that they were before. For example, wearing face coverings, social distancing and avoiding crowded areas.”It is also believed that with more people spending time indoors due to the winter weather, this too may have caused an increase in the spread of the virus. Cases in all age groups are being reported across Shetland, but the rate in primary school aged children is reducing.
Dr Laidlaw added: “As we have said before, on a population level, our high vaccination rates are helping to protect the most vulnerable people from serious illness. However, like any vaccine, the Covid vaccines are not 100% effective, so we still need to reduce the spread of the virus. “It is also important to remember that children aged 5-11 who are at higher risk, have only just started being vaccinated, and it will be another few weeks or months before they are fully benefiting from the vaccine.”
With an increase in cases, a large number of people have also been identified as contacts. Please remember that the recommended isolation period for contacts is still 10 days. But if people are either under 18-years-old and four months or fully vaccinated; and have negative lateral flow test results and no symptoms, then they can be exempted from the 10-day period.
However, if you are exempted you can still spread the virus, so you must adhere to all the usual guidance and the additional guidance for ending isolation early. The same applies to people who have Covid. Although you may be able to end isolation early with negative lateral flow tests, you could still be infectious and need to be especially careful.
Dr Laidlaw added: “Finally, vaccination is the best way to prevent serious illness and does appear to help with preventing the spread. If you have not had all your vaccines, please go and get them as soon as you can. We are finding folk who had not quite had their booster who are now having to isolate as contacts, or who now have to wait for four weeks after testing positive and so they have to keep delaying their booster. Please get along to the vaccination centre as soon as you are eligible.”
To register a positive lateral flow test result online, visit www.gov.uk/report-covid19- result or phone 119.
To request a PCR test if you are symptomatic (and do not have a positive LFT) visit https://www.shb.scot.nhs.uk/
Drop-in vaccination clinics are continuing to be held at the Gilbertson Park every Tuesday and Thursday from 11.30am-6.30pm throughout February. These are for booked appointments and walk ins. For those children aged 5-11 who are in the high-risk category, parents are being phoned with appointments for dedicated clinics at Child Health. If you have received a letter because you are immunosuppressed offering vaccine to any children in your household, please contact the vaccination team on 01595 743319 or shet.vaccination-team@nhs.scot