Community Leaders Ask Public to Double Down on COVID-19 Efforts

Community leaders from across Orkney have issued a plea to local folk to double down on their efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19 – and warned that it’s likely more restrictions will come into force in the coming week.

The call comes from the Orkney Partnership – Orkney’s community planning partnership, made up of organisations from across the public and third sectors.

Meghan McEwan is Chair of NHS Orkney. She said: “As we begin to understand the Omicron variant. It’s likely that the national picture will change rapidly – and that more restrictions could be put in place by government.

“All household contacts of confirmed cases, Omicron or not, now need to isolate for 10 days regardless of vaccination status or a negative PCR result. Non-household contacts can end isolation after receiving a negative PCR result if double vaccinated and have no symptoms.

“We would encourage the community both individuals and businesses to be mindful of these new rules and ensure they are prepared if they are requested to isolate for 10 days.

"We’d also encourage anyone who is yet to be vaccinated to get in touch with ourselves, you can do this by calling 0300 303 5313. We are well underway with our vaccination boosters and aim to have all booster vaccines administered by the middle of January with all appointment letters out before Christmas.” 

Council Leader, James Stockan, is Chair of the Orkney Partnership. He said: “Nobody wants to see restrictions coming in at a time when we are keen to be together in celebration – but the reality is that the new variant is spreading at an alarming rate– and the best way to battle it is to restrict opportunities for the virus to spread.  We’ve already seen some planned Orkney events cancelled – and I expect more will follow this week.

“The Christmas break will inevitably see folk returning home to their families in Orkney – and we would encourage them to take lateral flow tests before they do and before they leave Orkney again, and for all of us to continue to test ourselves on a regular basis.

“As this situation develops, we fully expect that there may be significant changes coming in. Our staff are keeping a very careful watch on things – and every effort will be made to maintain key services like home care and ferry services. Further updates are likely to be released in due course.”