Community effort urged to contain Covid rise
Argyll cases increase by 142 in the space of one week
Schools and businesses across Argyll have been forced to temporarily close as Covid cases rise in the region.
NHS Highland’s Director of Public Health Dr Tim Allison described the outbreak as 'a significant situation'.
But, despite the increase in cases, Argyll and Bute has kept its Level One Covid status.
The latest Public Health Scotland figures showed that 142 cases of Covid were identified across Argyll and Bute from June 13 to June 19.
Hotspots include Oban, Helensburgh and Dunoon and, alongside a number of commercial firms, Oban’s Atlantis Leisure Centre and Dunoon Grammar School have been closed for a spell amid a small number of positive test results and staff pressures due to isolation rules.
Schools around Argyll have reported isolated cases and have issued letters to parents assuring them that all precautions continue to be taken.
In sport, Oban Celtic Shinty Club suspended activity for one week as a precaution.
NHS Highland advises people in Argyll to minimise contact with others to limit further spread, and to use PCR testing to try and contain the outbreaks.
Community testing sites are available in Oban and Helensburgh by appointment to everyone, with or without symptoms.
To book an appointment contact NHS Inform online or by calling 0800 028 2816. Postal PCR kits are also available through NHS Inform.
Typical symptoms of Covid are a new, continuous cough; a high temperature or fever; and a loss of or change in normal taste or smell.
Other symptoms can include headache, sore muscles and joints, tiredness, sore throat, cold-like symptoms and diarrhoea and vomiting. Anyone that becomes unwell should isolate immediately and seek a PCR test.
Dr Allison said: ‘This is a significant situation and we expect the case numbers to rise further. Please continue to follow all guidance from NHS Highland’s contact tracing team.
‘If you have been identified as a close contact, please self-isolate and get a PCR test.
‘If you are identified as a close contact and your test is negative you must continue to isolate for 10 days as advised.’
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced on June 22 that all current levels across Scotland will remain in force until July 19, so more people can be vaccinated.
Minor changes from Monday June 28 include live entertainment being allowed at weddings but no dancing.
People accompanying the couple down the aisle will no longer need to wear face masks and those working at weddings will no longer count towards the total number of people attending. For funerals, people from more than one household will be allowed to carry a coffin.
The government will not be advising an immediate return to full office working on August 9 and Ms Sturgeon suggested home-working should be more feasible than it was before.
The government will continue to keep the need for travel restrictions under review and it is likely some targeted restrictions will still be needed after August 9.
The government is also working on plans for the return of schools, colleges and universities.
The first minister said: ‘The virus is still with us. But the vaccines are protecting more of us.’
She added that all priority groups one to nine would be fully vaccinated by the end of next week and by July 18 all adults will have had their first dose. Second doses for all adults should be completed by September 12.
There could be booster jabs in the autumn and potential vaccinations for 12- to 17-year-olds.
‘This is a significant situation and we expect numbers to rise further’