Covid cases continue to rise

As the school holidays begin, Covid case numbers across Tayside and Fife are on the rise again this week.

Since the start of June the number of local cases has been steadily rising.

In the week between June 4 and June 10 there was an increase of 50% in both Dundee and Fife.

Figures are reported on a weekly basis.

Between June 18 and June 24 the figures for Courier Country show:

● Perth and Kinross had the greatest increase with a 29.1% rise (533 positive cases).

● Dundee City showed an increase of 21.6% (417 positive cases).

● Fife had an increase of 18.7% (1,204 positive cases).

● Angus had an increase of 16.6% (365 positive cases).

The rise in case numbers comes amid a new wave of Covid, thought to be caused by the new, more contagious BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron variants.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said variants arise and spread at different rates in different populations.

They added: “The UK and Scottish rises are being driven by sub-variants of Omicron and it is not unusual to see different rates at points in time in each area.”

There is a range of surveillance programmes in place, including testing, and they are working with Public Health Scotland (PHS) to identify new threats as early as possible.

Scotland scrapped all Covid regulations in April.

The Scottish Government added: “Covid hasn’t gone away.

“Which is why we continue to ask people and businesses to take sensible precautions to protect themselves and others.

“This includes the continued wearing of face coverings where and when appropriate alongside following the latest advice on hygiene and ventilation.”

In an interview with The Courier on the recent wave, the head of health intelligence at NHS Grampian, Jillian Evans, gave her advice.

She said: “We should be concerned, but not overly because we know what to do to protect ourselves.

“Individually, the actions we take can help.

“That means being up to date on your vaccines because that still gives you the best degree of protection.”

The Scottish Government advises anyone eligible for any dose of the vaccination can get vaccinated by calling the National Vaccines Helpline and arranging an appointment.

It is also waiting on final advice from the JCVI regarding the autumn and winter booster programme.

“We ask people to take sensible precautions to protect themselves

EXPERT: Jillian Evans urges everyone to get vaccinated.