Vigilance urged as over 80’s vaccinations start

Orkney Local Emergency Co-ordination Group (OLECG) met this afternoon (5 January) to discuss impacts of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic in light of yesterday's (4 January) update from the Scottish Government and the current rollout of vaccines to people aged over 80 in Orkney.

The group involves representatives from a broad range of organisations, including the emergency and public services, transport providers, the utilities and voluntary sector, and has met at regularly throughout the pandemic - daily when needed.

The meeting, which was held virtually, was chaired by Chief Inspector Matt Webb, Police Scotland's Area Commander for Orkney.

"I would urge the Orkney public to respect the very grave situation nationally and remain extra vigilant - and follow the Scottish Government's FACTS guidance at all times to keep yourself and your community safe.

"This will help ensure our local NHS teams can focus on rolling out vaccines to our over 80's in good time, and prevent the virus taking a grip in our community at this crucial juncture.

"The OLECG group met today to ensure NHS Orkney had the support and resources from partner organisations to carry out the vaccinations efficiently.

"We will continue to meet as often as necessary to support the pandemic response in Orkney."

The FACTS guidance is:

• Face coverings
• Avoid crowded places
• Clean your hands regularly
• Two metre distance
• Self isolate and book a test if you have symptoms

Covid vaccinations are currently being offered to patients who live on the mainland of Orkney aged 80 and over. Anyone aged 80 or over is asked to phone 01856 888 024 to book an appointment to attend the Kirkwall vaccination centre (the former Health Care centre at the Balfour Hospital) to receive the vaccination.

The phone line will be open 09:30 - 16:30 from Tuesday, 5 January and every working day (Monday – Friday) thereafter.

Isles patients aged 80 years and over will be contacted by their GP practice in early January to come in for an appointment.

Housebound patients who normally receive a flu vaccine at home will have their Covid vaccination undertaken in the same way throughout January - you do not need to phone and arrange this.

Anyone who will have difficulty in attending for a vaccination in Kirkwall should call the Covid vaccination phone line on 01856 888 024 where staff will try their best to make alternative arrangements.