WATCH: Spike in coronavirus cases in Highland community is 'scary' reminder virus is still here
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A spike in Covid-19 cases in an Inverness neighbourhood is a "scary" reminder that the virus is still here, a community leader has warned.
A mobile testing unit opened in Merkinch yesterday after NHS Highland became aware of 45 cases linked to a small cluster at the area’s primary school and also wider family clusters.
It will be located in the car park at Merkinch Community Centre until Friday and residents in the area are being urged to book a test, even if they do not have symptoms, in a bid to stop it spreading.
Dell McClurg, Merkinch Community Council chairwoman, felt the area had escaped lightly with few cases until now, but said it was a stark reminder that the virus had not gone away.
"It is a bit scary," she said. "I think we had all become a bit blasé as nobody seemed to know anyone who had got coronavirus.
"I think this has shocked people into realising it is still here."
Ms McClurg said she knew some parents with school-age children who have the virus and are self-isolating.
"They are not seriously ill but unpleasantly ill with symptoms like a heavy cold and feeling miserable," she said.
"It is very difficult if you have young children. Even grandparents cannot go in to help."
She urged everyone to carry on following government guidelines.
"It is scary but we can fight this," she said.
"Get your face masks on and keeping washing your hands and we can get through this."
Inverness Central councillor Bet McAllister is urging residents to get tested.
"NHS Highland has acted quickly," she said. "I think it is brilliant they have set up the unit at the community centre.
"It might not have been so easy for people to leave the area and go elsewhere if they don’t have transport."
She also felt it was an important reminder for people to take up their invitation for a Covid-19 vaccination when the time comes.
The mobile testing unit will be open every day this week from 9.30am-5pm.
It is appointment only but will allow both symptomatic and asymptomatic testing to be carried out.
NHS Highland is reminding everyone to be vigilant and, if they have any of the three symptoms – a new continuous cough, temperature, loss of or change in sense of taste or smell – they should immediately self-isolate and book a test.
Dr Jenny Wares, consultant in public health medicine with NHS Highland, said: "Many people who have coronavirus have no symptoms, or mild symptoms, and will be spreading it without realising it.
"By expanding community testing in areas where there is higher prevalence of the virus we will be able to identify more cases giving us a better chance of stopping it from spreading.
"The asymptomatic testing, testing for those without symptoms, will allow us to identify those who are positive but do not have symptoms. We can then advise them to self-isolate and therefore prevent spread.
"More testing helps to show us how the virus is spread and will help us reduce risk.
"I would encourage residents in Merkinch, who don’t have any of the three Covid-19 symptoms, or who only have very mild symptoms, to get tested."
Dr Wares added: "Numbers across the NHS Highland area have decreased since Christmas which is why it is really important that we do everything we can when we see an increase in cases to ensure we can limit the spread as much as possible."
To book an appointment, people should contact NHS Inform either online, or by calling 0800 028 2816.
For those requiring to self-isolate, Highland Council can co-ordinate a range of support including collection of food shopping and prescriptions, while those losing income as a result of staying at home, may also be eligible for the £500 self-isolation support grant.
More information is available by contacting the council’s Covid Helpline on 0300 303 1362.
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