OLECG support for NHS Orkney during Covid-19 outbreak

Orkney Local Emergency Co-ordination Group (OLECG) is supporting efforts by NHS Orkney Public Health to contain the ongoing Covid-19 outbreak.

The group involves representatives from a broad range of organisations, including the emergency and public services, transport providers, the utilities and voluntary sector, and met today (Wednesday 23 June) to consider latest developments in the community.

The meeting, which was held virtually, was chaired by OLECG vice-chair Hayley Green, OIC Head of IT and Facilities (including safety and resilience) and was in response to the latest cluster of seven known cases. There are a further 40 or so people in Orkney who are self-isolating because they are contacts of Covid positive cases and this figure is expected to rise.

NHS Orkney says it is concerned that if anyone has been in a pub in Kirkwall since 14 June then they may have inadvertently come into contact with someone who has subsequently tested positive for Covid.

They say the main risk of infection relates to those who are younger and may not have had both doses of the Covid vaccinations, but everyone needs to be aware of symptoms.
For this reason, NHS Orkney is inviting those who have been in pubs in Kirkwall to come forward and book a PCR test. This is so they have the best chance of identifying those who may have inadvertently picked up virus but who are not showing symptoms.

Should you have symptoms including a new cough, temperature and loss of taste and smell you should immediately self isolate and book a PCR test by contacting the Covid Assessment Centre on 01856888211.

NHS Orkney’s Public Health Team say that as part of good practice, all businesses should be looking at continuity plans.

Anyone who is concerned but who hasn’t been in a pub can continue to use LFD tests. NHS Orkney is encouraging people to log their results, and should they test positive or have symptoms book a PCR test. These tests are available at some pharmacies, from the Covid Assessment Centre and can be ordered online.

LFD tests can be ordered online and usually arrive by post within two days. See the link: 

In Orkney LFD tests can also be picked up from WHB Sutherlands in Kirkwall and Stromness and the Boots The Chemists in Kirkwall. Take a look at this map to help you locate these outlets.