Covid-19: Schools in Uist close after cases rise
- Published
Taigh a'Chridhe Uile Naomh has suspended admissions, discharges and visiting after staff were identified as close contacts
All schools in Uist in the Western Isles have closed temporarily after a rise in cases of Covid-19.
There is now a cluster of 17 cases on South Uist following three positive tests confirmed on Friday.
Before the start of this week, the Western Isles had recorded the lowest number of cases in Scotland since the start of the outbreak.
The cumulative total of cases has risen to 23, once three false positive results are removed from the figures.
NHS Orkney now has the lowest number of cases with 22, according to Scottish government statistics.
NHS Western Isles said one of the 17 people affected in South Uist had been taken to hospital on the mainland. The others are self-isolating.
All schools on the island have closed for the next three days as a precaution.
A few staff at Taigh a'Chridhe Uile Naomh in Daliburgh had been identified as close contacts and the care home has suspended admissions, discharges and visiting.
All staff and residents at the care home will be tested.
Cothrom Nursery in South Uist will also be closed until further notice after staff there were identified as close contacts.
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar said it would review the schools situation on a daily basis.
NHS Western Isles director of public health, Dr Maggie Watts, said: "We would like to stress that individuals who have been identified as close contacts and advised by the Test and Protect team to self-isolate should complete their period of self-isolation, even if they subsequently have a test for Covid-19 and test negative.
"To respect and maintain patient confidentiality, we will not be releasing any further details at this time."
"We would like to reassure our local communities and visitors to the island that we are taking all necessary steps to contain the virus but it is vital that everyone in the Western Isles follows the current Scottish government restrictions and Facts guidance to limit any spread of the virus."
- Published25 September 2020
