Risk of Covid increases as we go indoors
With a distinct coolness in the air, summer feels like it has come to an abrupt end and autumn is on its way.
As we move indoors, the risk of Covid will increase so it is important we are careful. Whilst it is very welcome to see pupils back in school and the reopening of gyms, swimming pools and other indoor leisure venues, we have to be on our guard to ensure they are able to stay open.
Just last week, the advice changed for pupils in terms of wearing face coverings in communal areas, based on the latest advice from the World Health Organisation, and it is likely that guidance will continue to evolve as further research is carried out.
As we have seen in other parts of the country, the virus is still with us and is still extremely contagious, but the chains of infection are being disrupted by the public health teams managing the Test and Protect scheme.
Recent figures show they have successfully reached 99.7 per cent of all positive Covid cases and 98.8 per cent of their contacts. This is critical to keeping focal clusters under control and avoiding the sort of widespread community outbreak which recently led to lockdown in Aberdeen. Of course, more local lockdowns are possible and, indeed, likely but this is just something we will have to accept as being part of the new normal we are all having to adapt to.
One of the positive aspects of the last six months has been the incredible community response with volunteers helping support those who were shielding, unwell or finding it hard to cope.
Earlier this month, I was delighted to join the Dementia Friendly Prestwick team as they delivered their ‘ Bags of Support’ throughout the town.
The weekly doorstep delivery of lunch and an activity pack has been extremely well received, particularly by those who haven’t been able to access their usual social groups during lockdown. This is just one of the many wonderful initiatives Julie and the team have developed to tackle isolation and support those living with dementia and their carers.