Orkney Islands Council – Schools Remain Open

Visits by cruise ships have not been cancelled. 

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Despite the rapidly changing situation with the spread of  COVID-19, coronavirus, Orkney Islands Council has taken the decision today, 17th of March, to keep schools open. School trips outwith Orkney, however, have been cancelled.

Councillors and staff will not be attending community council meetings and public events, however, some limited travel outwith Orkney is still planned to go ahead.

Visits by cruise ships have not been cancelled.

James StockanJames Stockan, Leader of OIC said:

“Elected Members met our Senior Management Team today to review the extensive steps already taken to prepare for the likely impact on Orkney of the coronavirus pandemic. I believe the organisation is well prepared to respond effectively to what is a fast-changing situation.

“I am aware there is concern in our community about visits to Orkney by cruise ships. No other port in Scotland has stopped such visits and we are following national guidance on this.

“We have had port health procedures in place for many years for dealing with cases of infection aboard ships of all kind. These procedures are aimed at preventing infection coming into the country.”

Links to advice and information:

COVID-19 Guidance for non healthcare settings

Advice for those caring for a terminally ill person: COVID-19 Coronavirus

Advice for Asthma Sufferers: #coronavirus #COVID-19

3 responses to “Orkney Islands Council – Schools Remain Open”

  1. Bernie Bell Avatar
    Bernie Bell

    Simple solution is – if everyone who is not comfortable about the schools being open, keep their children at home – that’s that.
    Sometimes, civil disobedience is a necessity – when those in charge neglect their duty – in this case, a duty of care.

    “School trips outwith Orkney, however, have been cancelled.

    Councillors and staff will not be attending community council meetings and public events, however, some limited travel outwith Orkney is still planned to go ahead.”

    What planet are OIC on? Are these trips by Councillors, absolutely necessary?

    We’ve just cancelled our holiday to Skye – official advice is to avoid unnecessary travel, and to head off to Skye and back, in the present circumstances, would be irresponsible madness. So, we had a discussion yesterday evening, and we have cancelled the holiday. We’re not just thinking of our own welfare, but of the welfare of the general public, of Orkney, and along the way to and from Skye.
    The response we’ve had from the places that we’d booked to stay – who will be losing money hand over fist this season – has been understanding, supportive and generous – full or partial refunds all the way.

    OIC, you really are a shower. You really are. Your actions could cause much distress and harm to the people of the very county which you are meant to be working for the good of.

    “There is one question I’d really love to ask
    Is there a place for the hopeless sinner
    Who has hurt all mankind just to save his own.” One Love – Bob Marley

    Reply
  2. barry mcindoe Avatar
    barry mcindoe

    I would love to know who actually made this decision. Sounds barking mad to me. So while councillors are minimising there contact with large groups, they are quite comfortable to put children, teachers, teacher assistants etc at Risk. Perhaps once this has settled, we can re examine and oust those numpties put in a position of trust

    Reply
    1. theorkneynews Avatar
      theorkneynews

      The schools in Orkney will close on Friday like all the other schools in Scotland, however, there is still no advice (10.59 am) from OIC how this will be managed

      Reply

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