Care Homes

Visiting can no longer take place at care homes operated by Orkney Health and Care.

Friends and relatives are encouraged to stay in touch with residents via phone or digital means such as video messaging, text messaging and social media.

Supported accommodation

OHAC is strongly advising relatives and friends not to visit tenants in supported accommodation because of the coronavirus risk and to keep in touch by other means.

Respite care

Planned respite care is cancelled.

Services for people with learning disabilities

 St Colm’s and the Lifestyles day facilities closed until further notice.

OIC Workers

All Council staff who can work from home have been asked to do this. Only staff involved in the Council’s response to the pandemic are required to be in work.

OIC Services

There is now no public access to the council offices in Kirkwall – the doors at customer services are closed.

People needing to contact the council click on this link: MyOrkney

 phone or email also available but using  MyOrkney is recommended.

The Orkney Ferries offices at Shore Street in Kirkwall and at Houton and Tingwall are closed.

Ports in Orkney remain operational for what will be a reduced internal ferry service, to ensure that the isles remain supported – and for the external service, which is operating normally but with significant restrictions to who should be travelling.

No cruise ships will be visiting Orkney for the foreseeable future.

 Housing Repairs

Only emergency repairs will be carried out within houses – for example internal power failure or leak.

School Meals

Arrangements for continuing to provide benefits-related free school meals will be introduced and communicated to parents at the earliest opportunity.

photo: Bell