Covid in Scotland: Shetland 'set for level 4 restrictions' if cases rise

NHS Shetland is asking people to think about their actions

Shetland is "almost certain" to be moved into level four restrictions if a new wave of Covid infections continues, health officials have warned.

There have been 34 cases within the last week, with the total expected to rise, and 120 people have also been asked to isolate.

NHS Grampian confirmed the outbreak is "associated with a social event and some household transmission".

The board said it was hopeful it could bring transmission under control.

Indoor visits at all of Shetland's care homes have been suspended in response to the rising number of cases

All of mainland Scotland moved into the toughest level of coronavirus restrictions on Boxing Day, with Shetland among the islands in level three.

• 'Stay at home' Hogmanay plea as Covid cases surge

• The islands that halted an outbreak by locking down early

The new confirmed cases have spread from the north mainland of Shetland to Lerwick. There were 14 confirmed cases on Monday and another four on Tuesday.

The current situation is described as by far the most serious outbreak in Shetland since March.

'Virus knows no bounds'

NHS Shetland said the best way to stop the virus was to stay at home for the next two weeks - and work from home - as much as possible.

Speaking to Drivetime, the director of public health for NHS Shetland and NHS Grampian, Susan Webb, said: "As all of the cases can be linked to the original cluster, we remain hopeful... that we will be able to bring the transmission under control.

"We are monitoring the situation incredibly carefully."

But, she added that if necessary a move to level four would be recommended.

Public Health Principal Elizabeth Robinson said: "This is a virus that knows no bounds. It has infected many in our community during the festive season.

"This is not a time to judge or point fingers but rather for each one of us to look at our own actions and ensure that we are doing everything possible to keep ourselves and others safe.

"Should the infection rate continue it is almost certain that Shetland will be moved to level four."

• LEVELS: What are the restrictions in your area?

• LOCKDOWN: Six months that changed our lives

• CASES: Where are the latest cases in Scotland?

• WHO? The people who have died with Covid-19