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Highland health chiefs urge continued vigilance over coronavirus risk


By Gregor White

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Dr Tim Allison.
Dr Tim Allison.

NHS Highland and its partners in public health are encouraging members of the public to continue following guidance on Covid-19.

While transmission of the virus in the Highland region has been relatively low throughout the crisis, the outbreak and reimposed lockdown in nearby Aberdeen shows it has not gone away.

Health chiefs say that as lockdown measures are slowly eased, it is even more important that everyone follows the guidance to stay safe.

Dr Tim Allison, director of public health with NHS Highland, said: “Everyone in Highland should be congratulated on how well they responded to lockdown and how they continue to act responsibly as lockdown is eased.

“Without a doubt these actions have helped us in keeping numbers low in the area.

“However, we must not be complacent.

“To ensure we continue with this progress, we all must follow the national guidance, which includes NHS Scotland’s Test and Protect strategy.

“Test and Protect is a vital part of how we will prevent the spread of Covid-19 in the community.

“If you have symptoms we’re asking you to self-isolate, get tested and share details of those you’ve come into close contact with.

“If you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive and are asked to self-isolate by the NHS, it’s important to follow that advice.

“It is important for hospitality businesses such as pubs, restaurants and cafés to record the details of customers who stay on the premises to eat or drink and important for customers to give those details to help potential contact tracing.”

Dr Allison added: “We need everyone’s help in making this work.

“Taking these steps and following the FACTS guidelines, which highlight the importance of face coverings; avoiding crowded places; cleaning your hands regularly; two metre distancing and self-isolating and booking a test, will help to keep the virus under control.”

Alan Yates, Highland Council’s environmental health manager, said: “The public and businesses must continue to follow the guidance from the Scottish Government to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in the Highlands.

“We will continue to work with NHS Highland and Police Scotland to provide advice and support to businesses and will consider enforcement where required.”

Councillor Allan Henderson, chairman of the council’s communities and place committee, said it was important people do not become complacent.

“We have had good compliance in the Highlands with the coronavirus restrictions and we need everyone to continue this great work,” he said.

“This includes the public who should enjoy the hospitality but must be responsible when it comes to the Covid precautions and follow any arrangements or rules businesses have in place.”

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