Lockdown Arran is still a virus-free zone
Arran is in virtual lockdown as the full reality of the what the coronavirus pandemic means for the island hits home.
As all schools and nurseries shut their doors today (Friday) Arran is facing unprecedented uncertainty both for islanders and visitors. And the large older population makes the island particularly vulnerable.
However, as the Banner went to press, there remained no confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Arran, despite wild social media speculation, although this can change in an instance and no one should let their guard down.
But the Arran community spirit has really come to the fore and there is a determination that the island can get through this and come out stronger.
Many of the island visitor attractions, including Brodick Castle and visitor centre, are shut, although the country park remains open. Both the distillery visitor centres at Lochranza and Lagg and the Arran Heritage Museum have closed their doors, and event after event has been cancelled, with normal social life almost wiped out. First to go this week was what would have been the 91st Arran Music Festival, then this weekend’s Spring Fest and now events as far ahead as the Arran Mountain Festival in May have been cancelled.
The Arran Medical Group and the Arran Services of the North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership, not surprisingly, have found themselves on the front line. Three health centres - Brodick, Whiting Bay and Lochranza - are closed and anyone who wants an appointment will be given a telephone consultation first.
In another development, only ‘essential’ visiting is being allowed at Arran War Memorial Hospital, so no relatives can visit, and visiting at Montrose House and Cooriedoon has been stopped
and the Stronach Day Care Centre suspended.
Most shops remain open, but that may change in the coming days, and businesses are having to find new ways of working with many people, who can, working from home.
A huge blow to the island’s tourism industry was the shock closure of the Auchrannie Resort. Other hotels, pubs, restaurants and cafes remain open, waiting and watching the situation before deciding what to do next. As a result of the closure the Auchrannie has had to temporarily lay off 138 full-time and 29 part-time staff. A skeleton staff of 21 will remain in the business, many of whom are working on a voluntary basis.
Co-founder and managing director at Auchrannie Linda Johnston said: ‘We are absolutely gutted that we had to take this unprecedented step. Our focus at this time will be on supporting our team members and the local community. We will also make sure the business is ready to open as soon as restrictions are lifted.
‘Our whole team have been absolutely amazing in their response to this crisis and we are overwhelmed by the messages of support from the community, visitors and businesses.
‘This will be a hard time for all of us but I’m sure that both Arran and Auchrannie will bounce back quickly when all this is over,’ she added.
The self-catering lodges and retreats at the resort remain open.
The situation has wiped out visitor bookings for guest houses and self-catering premises, with some reporting a year-on-year drop in bookings of as much as 80 per cent, leaving many businesses worrying for their future, although the Scottish Government has announced a range of measures to help.
CalMac has confirmed that ferry sailings will remain as timetabled, weather permitting, and will only reduce if crew or port staff fall ill, making it untenable to continue on the existing timetable. They have contingency plans in place if this situation arises, but that is not currently the case. Stagecoach buses are running as normal.
In a statement the Health and Care Partnership said: ‘The changes to national advice regards COVID-19 has increased the number of health and care staff who are isolating at home and as a result contingency plans have been activated to ensure essential services on Arran are maintained. This will mean many routine services will be suspended.
‘There are significant changes to how you will access GP services but be assured we will make every effort to ensure you get the help you need. Anyone contacting a GP practice should always phone first on 01770 600516.
Brodick Health Centre, Whiting Bay and Lochranza surgeries are now closed and everyone who requires to be seen will first be given a telephone appointment and those who need face-to-face or video appointments will have these arranged.
‘Please be aware that the GP or nurse may be calling on an unfamiliar number – so consider removing call blocking on your line. Medicine supply from the dispensary will be moving to a prescription delivery service.
‘You do not need to phone the practice or NHS 24 to inform them that you are self isolating and do not need to arrange testing for COVID-19.
If you have questions there is good information available at NHS Inform and we would ask those who are able to look this up before phoning.’
You can find up to date information on COVID-19 on the NHS Inform website:
www.nhsinform.scot/ illnesses-and-conditions/ infections-and-poisoning/ coronavirus-covid-19