Public urged to be vigilant over Covid-19 after outbreak at Highland resort
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Health teams are urging the public to remain vigilant over Christmas after an eighth case was confirmed of a coronavirus outbreak in the Highlands.
NHS Highland's Health Protection Team and Environmental Health were notified of an outbreak of Covid-19 affecting seven staff working as part of an entertainment group supporting activities at the Macdonald Aviemore Resort on Friday.
Case follow up and contact tracing has been undertaken and those affected are self-isolating.
An eighth case amongst staff has since been confirmed.
Both NHS Highland's Health Protection Team and Highland Council's Environmental Health department are working with the venue to manage and monitor the situation.
The hotel had full track and trace details for all those that stayed in the hotel and who attended the grotto and activity centres. Three advice notes were provided to the hotel management to send out to staff, all relevant previous and current guests and to those attending the grotto since December 11.
Environmental Health have carried out a site inspection and instructed a number of changes to the activities provided.
As a precautionary measure, customers who have stayed at the hotel since Friday, December 11, or who have taken part in any of the festive activities at the hotel, including those who have visited Santa’s Grotto, are asked to remain vigilant for the symptoms of Covid-19.
Dr Tim Allison, director of public health with NHS Highland, said: “We appreciate that this will be causing anxiety within the residents of the resort, staff and wider community and we are working closely with Highland Council’s Environmental Health Team and the resort management to provide advice and guidance to residents, staff and their families. At this time, we have no evidence of wider community spread.
Convener of Highland Council, Bill Lobban, added: “I understand that many people will be very concerned about these cases in Aviemore. I would urge anyone who has been to these activities to be extra cautious and to be aware of the symptoms of Covid-19. We really must stay safe and look after each other during these difficult times.”
For more information about the symptoms, see www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19
