Orkney Outbreak #Covid19 14th August 2020 Update

By theorkneynews on August 14, 2020 • ( 1 Comment )

Today (14th of August) there were again new cases of people confirmed with a test of having Covid19 in Orkney and in other parts of Scotland.

Across Scotland there were 65 new positive tests reported.

In Orkney, officially, the number of cases of people resident in the islands has increased by over 5 in only 2 days and is now at 14. This is a cumulative figure – the total number of positive confirmed tests.

There have been 0 deaths in Scotland recorded due to Covid 19 but there are 253 people in hospital with 3 in intensive care.

In response to the localised outbreaks occurring, new statuary guidance has been issued by the Scottish Government for the hospitality sector. This is because it appears very likely that the Grampian outbreak was the result of groups of people visiting several pubs – a pub crawl. When this happens, visiting lots of locations, it means the spread will increase of this highly infectious and deadly virus.

The new regulations apply to restaurants, cafes, pubs and hotels in which food or drink are sold for consumption on the premises. These premises must now collect information on customers so that Test and Protect can respond more rapidly to outbreaks.

Emma McClarkin, Chief executive of the Scottish Beer and Pub Association said:

“The majority of Scotland’s pubs and bars had already gone above and beyond in putting measures in place to keep customers safe during this time.

“These changes today will help ensure those premises which have fallen short no longer do so, and we welcome that clarity.

“We’re all in this together and the stronger we are now, the sooner we will be able to see these restrictions disappear.”

You can find the new regulations here:

And here’s the guidance for the customer: Guidance for customers on how the retail experience in shops, tourism and hospitality businesses is changing due to coronavirus.

avoid visiting multiple indoor hospitality premises on the same day outside of routine meal times. In particular, do not visit more than one pub or bar in the same day, as this increases the risk of multiple transmission

There will be no background music or TV sound on so that people do not need to shout or strain to be heard. Customers are also warned to be mindful of the size of group they are in.

Many in the hospitality sector have spent a lot of time, money and thought about ensuring their premises were safe for customers. Unfortunately a few have not and we’ve all seen the images on social media at pubs of people congregating in large groups with no physical distancing.

Quarantine Travel Measures Increased

Today it was also announced that more foreign destinations have been added to the lists where those returning will have to quarantine when they return to Scotland. This is due to a sharp rise in cases in those countries.

France
Netherlands
Aruba
Turks
Caicos
Malta
Monaco

People returning from these places will have to quarantine for 14 days. This applies in all the countries of the UK: Scotland, Wales, N Ireland and England from 4am on Saturday 15 August.

More information on countries and travel here: Coronavirus (COVID-19): public health measures at borders (international travel)

As this is an ever changing situation, Nicola Sturgeon, FM of Scotland, again asked those going on holiday to think very carefully about leaving the country as quarantine restrictions can and will be imposed at short notice if necessary.

Governments can put in as many regulations and issue as much guidance as they can but it really is up to individual responsibility to behave in such a way that Covid19 gets stopped in its tracks.

It’s important that anyone who has symptoms seeks advice right away and self isolates.

Find out more about your symptoms, when you can use self-care, and what to do if your condition worsens and you need medical help.

Symptoms

a high temperature or fever
a new continuous cough
a loss of, or change in sense of smell or taste

Note: A new, continuous cough means coughing for longer than an hour, or three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours. If you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual.