Celebrate Hogmanay at home, says council leader

Following an announcement from NHS Highland yesterday that the number of positive cases of Covid in the Highlands had tripled in just a few days, the Highland Council leader reminds everyone to follow all guidance and to remain extra vigilant.

Councillor Margaret Davidson said: “Up until now the low Covid numbers we have had in our area has been due to very high levels of compliance with the restrictions and the excellent partnership work across council, NHS Highland and police to successfully deal with local outbreaks.

“However, the rise in numbers is of great concern and we must make sure we do not become complacent. It is now more important than ever before that everyone makes sure that they stick to all the guidance, especially the two-metres rule.”

She added: “The First Minister has issued a call for people to celebrate Hogmanay at home and not to put themselves and their families at risk. I fully endorse this message and wish everyone a healthy and safe New Year.

“The news today that the second vaccine, the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine, is cleared for use across the UK is good news for us all. Let us now all keep going through this time, support each other by phone or whatever means we can and focus on the future.”

Anyone needing help with getting welfare or business support can contact the council’s freephone Covid helpline on 0300 303 1362.

At least eight positive Covid cases in Thurso and north-west Caithness over latest seven-day period

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