‘Follow guidelines’ appeal as Covid rises
NHS Highland has reported a significant increase in cases of Covid-19 in Argyll and Bute.
The first two weeks of June saw more than double the number of cases in Argyll and Bute compared to the whole of May.
The increase has been particularly marked in Oban and Helensburgh and there is a small cluster on Islay.
The health board stressed that while restrictions have been easing, Covid-19 has not gone away and it is vital everyone across Highland and Argyll and Bute remains cautious and follows the guidance on how to stay safe and limit the spread of the virus.
NHS Highland director of public health Dr Tim Allison said: ‘This has been such a challenging time for our communities but, thanks to everyone and how well they have followed the guidance, we are starting to see more freedom with the move to level one, or level zero for our island communities.
‘Covid, however, has not gone away and the rapid increase in Argyll and Bute is concerning. In addition to the impacts on those directly affected by Covid-19, we are seeing wider impacts with businesses and schools affected.’
Dr Allison is encouraging everyone to follow the guidelines to minimise any further spread.
With the rise in cases, an increase in the Delta variant – which spreads much more easily – has been seen.
NHS Highland advises the public to know what symptoms to look out for and, if anyone does experience symptoms, self-isolate immediately and seek a PCR test.
In addition to the typical symptoms, people with Covid-19 can present with a wide range of symptoms including headache, sore muscles and joints, tiredness, sore throat, cold-like symptoms, diarrhoea and vomiting.
Anyone that becomes unwell should self-isolate immediately and seek a PCR test.
It is very important that we all continue to follow FACTS:
❚ wear a face covering
❚ avoid crowded places
❚ clean your hands regularly
❚ maintain two metres distance
❚ self-isolate and book a test if you have symptoms. Dr Allison continued: ‘Travel across Scotland and elsewhere in the UK is also something we can now enjoy again but I would appeal for caution from anyone who is travelling, particularly if they are going to an area that has a higher number of cases as this risks bringing infection back to our communities. Is the travel absolutely necessary?
‘If you do visit areas that have a high rate of infection try to limit your contact with others on your return to limit any potential spread.
‘We have been really encouraged by the engagement from our communities with the measures to date and the community of Fort William recently successfully contained the outbreak there.
‘If we all work together and continue to adhere to the guidelines and take a very cautious approach in our daily lives we can fight the virus.’