NHS Highland director of public health urges public not to be complacent over coronavirus
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NHS Highland has warned the public not to be complacent about Covid-19 and to keep following the national guidance to stay safe.
While transmission in the region has been relatively low, the health board warns that coronavirus "has not gone away" and, as lockdown is slowly eased, it is important for everyone to follow the rules.
Director of public health Dr Tim Allison said: “Everyone in Highland should be congratulated on how well they responded to lockdown and how they continue to act responsibly as lockdown is eased. Without a doubt these actions have helped us in keeping numbers low in the area.
“However, we must not be complacent. To ensure we continue with this progress we all must follow the national guidance which includes NHS Scotland’s Test and Protect strategy.
“Test and Protect is a vital part of how we will prevent the spread of Covid-19 in the community. If you have symptoms, we’re asking you to self-isolate, get tested and share details of those you’ve come into close contact with. If you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive and are asked to self-isolate by the NHS, it’s important to follow that advice.
To ensure we continue with this progress we all must follow the national guidance.
“It is important for hospitality businesses such as pubs, restaurants and cafés to record the details of customers who stay on the premises to eat or drink, and important for customers to give those details to help potential contact tracing.”
Dr Allison added: “We need everyone’s help in making this work. Taking these steps and following the FACTS guidelines, which highlight the importance of face coverings; avoiding crowded places; cleaning your hands regularly; two-metre distance; and self-isolating and booking a test will help in keeping the virus under control.”
Alan Yates, Highland Council’s environmental health manager, said: “As the Aberdeen outbreak has unfortunately shown, Covid 19 is still out there. The public and businesses must continue to follow the guidance from Scottish Government to prevent spread of Covid-19 in the Highlands.
"We will continue to work with NHS Highland and Police Scotland on both providing advice and support to businesses and considering enforcement where required.”
