Orkney is one of the few areas in Scotland that has the least restrictions imposed on it to try to limit the spread of Covid 19.
This table shows the cumulative number of cases of positive tests for Covid19 in Scotland as of 26th November 2020.

This highly infectious virus today claimed 51 more deaths in Scotland.
The stats for 26th of November in Scotland are as follows:
- 1,225 new cases of COVID-19 reported
- 51 new reported death(s) of people who have tested positive
- 90 people were in intensive care yesterday with recently confirmed COVID-19
- 1,125 people were in hospital yesterday with recently confirmed COVID-19
- 29,944 new tests for COVID-19 that reported results – 4.7% of these were positive
The National Records for Scotland(NRS) which reports on all deaths where covid is mentioned on the death certificate brings the total so far to 5,380 (as of 22nd of November)
2/3 of the people who died in that last week were aged 75 or over.
This is perhaps the most stark reminder to those who are considering wider family celebrations over Christmas that great thought must be put into the risk of endangering the lives of those who are more vulnerable to the ravages of this virus.
Click on this link to access to NRS Report: Deaths involving coronavirus (COVID-19)
in Scotland Week 47 (16 to 22 November 2020)
The Scottish Government has, along with all the nations in the UK, relaxed restrictions to travel and to indoor meetings over the Christmas period. 4 Nations Easing of #Covid Restrictions for Christmas
This has pleased some but has also caused a great deal of anxiety in others. There is an expectation that the easing of restrictions throughout the whole of the UK will result in a rise in Covid19 cases at the start of the new year, 2021, and to an increase in deaths.
The First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, has urged people to only use the easing of restrictions if they really have to and to do so with great care.
Further guidance has been published on those who want to go ahead with inviting family/friends into their homes. Click on this link: Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for festive period
The safest way to spend Christmas and the festive period is to stay within your own household, in your own home and your own local area.
Although a vaccine may be near, coming sometime in early 2021, it is worth remembering that this is a pandemic – no part of the world is immune and vaccines have to be available to all citizens of the world.
World wide there are 60,909,131 cases of Covid19 and 1,430,375 have died from it. Many more people will have long lasting implications for their health. In the USA which today celebrates its Thanksgiving there have been 268,404 deaths ( Coronavirus Update (Live) Health officials there are extremely worried that family get togethers there will result in a significant spike in cases.
The Orkney News would like to wish our very many readers in the USA a Happy Thanksgiving. Stay safe.

To help us all stay safe NHS Scotland has a free app to download which supports contact tracing. Click on this link to access: Protect Scotland
And to remember FACTS

Reporter: Fiona Grahame
Categories: Uncategorized