Self-isolate or become isolated – Moray public warned as region's Covid-19 infection rate is worst in Scotland
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
RESIDENTS in Moray were today warned to "self-isolate or become isolated" amid surging Covid-19 cases in the region.
NHS Grampian health bosses urged everyone to play their part in keeping the others safe after becoming aware of a number of instances of people not self-isolating despite either having symptoms of Covid-19 or being asked to do so by contact tracers.
Last week NHS Grampian, Moray Council and Visit Moray Speyside warned the region risked being left behind due to infection levels in the region.
A few days on Moray has the worst infection rate in Scotland.
The region now has 81.4 cases per 100,000 – East Dunbartonshire has the second highest with 41.4, while neighbouring Aberdeenshire and Highland are at 11.
Paul Southworth, consultant in public health at NHS Grampian, said: "The situation in Moray is continuing to worsen. Last week the rate was around 50 per 100,000 and that is rising rapidly. We have also seen an increase in Covid hospital admissions from Moray this week.
"In the last seven days Moray has seen 55 per cent of Grampian’s cases – but has less than 17 per cent of the population.
"We’re continuing to see an upward trend and we are yet to see the impact of any mixing over the May Day weekend, so it is possible the situation could worsen in the coming days.
"There is no business, school or organisation behind the rise in cases.
"We are seeing community spread across the region, but particularly focused in Elgin and the surrounding area. That is across all age groups and demographics. We need to recognise that this is not about one or two incidents of poor behaviour but about an increased risk across the whole community.
"We continue with expanded testing in Moray and really encourage anyone, not just with Covid-19 symptoms, but any symptoms – general weakness, sore throat, diarrhoea – to book a test.
"Asymptomatic testing is also crucial to getting the outbreak under control – the sooner we can identify cases in their infection, the sooner they can self-isolate to avoid putting others at risk and furthering spread through the community. We continue to have asymptomatic testing available on Elgin High Street and would urge people to take up those tests.
"It is imperative that people stick to the guidelines – distance, even if outside; wear masks; do not go inside other people’s house; ensure you wash your hands regularly; don’t gather in large groups – it is key to getting the virus under control in Moray."
Health bosses at Dr Gray’s Hospital, in Elgin, said some people were choosing to break the rules by entering other people’s houses and organising gatherings.
Jamie Hogg, divisional clinical director at Dr Gray’s, said: "The local population has done exceptionally well to this point and Moray has escaped the worst of the pandemic – it’s had lower numbers of cases, lower infection rates, it’s often been in lower levels – but that could be about to change.
"Anecdotally we’re being made of aware of people either with symptoms or who have been asked to self-isolate by contract tracers not doing so – our message today is simple, self-isolate or Moray will become isolated.
"The area will see further increases potentially leading to hospitalisations and possibly deaths.
"Please stick with the rules, keeping the virus suppressed is key to us being able to deliver other health services at Dr Gray’s Hospital and across Moray."
Moray Council chief executive Roddy Burns said: "Ultimately if the situation continues to escalate we may find ourselves living with restrictions which could severely impact on our daily lives – affecting education, businesses being able to operate or using sporting facilities if rates continue to increase.
"We could either be left behind in terms of unlocking or even see other, stronger, restrictions imposed on the region.
"It’s vital that everyone continues to play their part in protecting each other, protecting businesses and ultimately protecting Moray.
"As hard as it may feel, don’t meet people indoors, don’t hug each other, don’t meet in large groups. We’ve come so far, let’s keep protecting Moray."
NHS Grampian says people with any of the symptoms listed below should book a test, via nhsinform.scot or call 0800 028 2816, and must not attend sites asymptomatic testing sites.
Those with both classic and extended symptoms in Moray should immediately book a test via nhsinform.scot or call 0800 028 2816.
Extended symptoms include:
• General weakness
• Sore throat
• Shortness of breath
• Diarrhoea
• Headache
• Chills
• Muscle pain
• Runny nose
• Dry or productive cough
When booking a test due to these symptoms, individuals should select the "My local council or health protection team has asked me to get a test" option. While the individual experiencing the symptoms should self-isolate until the test result is returned there is no need for the rest of the individual’s household to self-isolate.
Classic symptoms include:
• Continuous cough
• Fever
• Loss of taste of smell
The individual and their whole household, including any extended or bubble members, should self-isolate immediately self-isolate until the test results are returned.
