Significant increase in coronavirus cases in NHS Highland area as latest figures reveal 83 new cases
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A significant increase in Covid-19 cases have been reported in the NHS Highland area with 83 cases notified yesterday.
NHS Highland said during May, 154 positive cases were registered across Highland, Argyll and Bute highlighting the alarming rise in case numbers which is in keeping with other areas in Scotland.
The increases are in areas such as Inverness, Nairn, Caithness, Oban, Helensburgh and Dunoon.
Of the 32 local authorities in Scotland, Argyll and Bute is now sitting in 10th place with respect to the highest rates of Covid-19 across Scotland although rates are rising across the whole of NHS Highland.
The health authority said although the restrictions had been easing, Covid-19 had not gone away and it was vital that everyone across Highland, Argyll and Bute remained cautious and followed the guidance on how to stay safe and limit the spread of the virus.
Dr Tim Allison, NHS Highland’s director of public health, said: "As well as an increase in cases, we are seeing an increasing number of outbreaks in our communities.
"Covid-19 is spreading much more rapidly as a result of the Delta variant and because of the increase in mixing. Covid-19 has definitely not gone away.
"Not only is this rise in cases impacting on the individuals affected but multiple school classes are self-isolating, businesses across Highland have closed due to outbreaks and there have also been impacts on our local healthcare services as a result of staff isolating."
He said it was vital everyone continued to follow the Scottish Government guidance and to minimise contact with other people to try and reduce the spread whilst the rates of Covid-19 were high.
"Although the levels have reduced, this doesn’t mean that Covid-19 has gone away," he said.
Communities across Highland are urged to remain vigilant for symptoms which typically include a new continuous cough, a high temperature or fever and a loss of, or change in, normal taste or smell.
However, a wide range of symptoms includes headache, sore muscles and joints, tiredness, sore throat, cold-like symptoms and diarrhoea and vomiting.
Anyone that becomes unwell should isolate immediately and seek a PCR test. Tests can be booked through NHS Inform online or by calling 0800 028 2816.
Dr Allison continued: "Given the rapid rise in cases, the contact tracing team are working extremely hard but it is taking a little bit longer for the contact tracing team to make contact. Please bear with the team and continue to isolate and the team will be in touch as soon as they can.
"I would also like to take the opportunity to thank the public for their engagement and for everything they are doing to try to reduce the spread within their local communities.
"The vaccination programme is incredibly successful but not everyone has been vaccinated and it is vital that we are cautious until everyone has had an opportunity to be vaccinated.
"Please limit your contact with other people to try to minimise the risk of further spread."
The latest figures show:
Inverness – 73 cases in June to date. There were 45 recorded cases in May.
Nairn – 18 cases in June to date. There were less than five recorded cases in May.
Caithness – 28 cases in June to date. There were no recorded cases in May.
Oban – 64 cases in June to date. There were less than five recorded cases in May.
Dunoon – 59 cases in June to date. There were less than five recorded cases in May.
Helensburgh and Garelochhead – 106 cases in June to date. There were 10 recorded cases in May
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