Tayport Covid-19 outbreak tackled

KIRKCALDY: Staff also test positive at health centre

Concerns have been raised after a cluster of 21 people with links to Tayport tested positive for Covid-19.

The outbreak is believed to be connected to a small number of hospitality venues in the town and has prompted owners of local premises to close voluntarily while risk assessments and deep cleaning are carried out.

Contact tracing was urgently being done over the weekend and health chiefs once again encouraged people to follow Covid-19 guidance provided to them.

The worrying news came as it emerged two members of staff at the Path Medical Practice in Kirkcaldy have also tested positive, although the surgery will remain open.

Dona Milne, NHS Fife director of public health, said: “We are aware that there has been a notable increase in the amount of community transmissions throughout Fife.”

Health chiefs in Fife have urged people to follow Covid-19 guidance after an alarming outbreak of the virus in Tayport.

NHS Fife has confirmed a cluster of 21 people with links to the small town have tested positive so far.

Contact tracing is being carried out as a matter of urgency to try to limit the spread.

The cluster is believed to be connected to hospitality venues in the town. A number of premises have since closed voluntarily to allow for deep cleaning to take place and assessments from environmental officers.

Meanwhile, Fife Health and Social Care Partnership also confirmed over the weekend that two members of staff associated with the Path Medical Practice in Kirkcaldy had tested positive.

A number of close contacts have been identified and are currently self-isolating, although the partnership says there are no wider concerns around the risk to patients and the wider public and it is safe to attend the surgery.

Dona Milne, director of public health at NHS Fife, said: “We are aware that there has been a notable increase in the amount of community transmissions throughout Fife – instances where people have picked up the virus and we have been unable to establish a clear source of origin.

“Whilst the evidence suggests that the cases in Tayport are largely linked to hospitality venues in the town, we would still encourage everyone in the area – and indeed across Fife – to remain vigilant and take steps to help protect themselves and others from the virus.

“Do not visit others outwith your household bubble indoors, keep a safe physical distance where poss ib le , wear face coverings where distancing is difficult, keep hands and surfaces clean, and, if you do develop any of the key Covid-19 symptoms – a high temperature; a new, continuous cough; or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – isolate and arrange a test immediately.

“We know that this is a difficult time for people, but we also know that following this guidance makes a real difference.

“Please stick with it and do your bit to protect yourself and others around you.”

News of the wider spread in Tayport comes after a number of staff at Cobbies Inn, near the marina, contracted the virus.

Management took the decision to close the premises despite being given the go- ahead to reopen by public health officials.

Reports locally suggest at least one staff member is seriously ill , but a spokesperson for the pub said they did not want to comment further.

“Everyone should be vigilant

2 reported instances in staff associated with the Path Medical Practice.