The cumulative total for positive Covid cases recorded in Orkney now stands at 146 as 2 more positive tests were published today.
The stats for Scotland published on 24th July 2021 are as follows:
- 1,307 new cases of COVID-19 reported
- 23,857 new tests for COVID-19 that reported results
- 6.1% of these were positive
- 11 new reported death(s) of people who have tested positive
- 60 people were in intensive care yesterday with recently confirmed COVID-19
- 478 people were in hospital yesterday with recently confirmed COVID-19
- 3,994,883 people have received the first dose of the Covid vaccination and 3,064,441 have received their second dose
SEPA, Scotland’s Environment Protection Agency, is doing invaluable work monitoring Scotland’s waste water for traces of the virus. As you can see in this graph for Orkney, 20th July 2021, Covid is very much present in our community.

Not everyone who has the virus will realise they have and even those who have been double vaccinated can pass it on. That is why monitoring the waste water is vital. You can find out more about that here : RNA Monitoring
Deaths Due to Covid
- 7,848 people have died who have tested positive as at 23 July
- 10,268 deaths have been registered in Scotland where COVID-19 was mentioned on the death certificate up to 18 July
- 32% of COVID-19 registered deaths related to deaths in care homes, 61% were in hospitals and 7% were at home or non-institutional settings (as at 18 July)
Despite these extremely concerning numbers the Scottish Government has announced a relaxation of isolation for key workers : The Gamble: Self Isolation Changes For Key Workers – ‘Vaccination is not Immunisation’
And next week Orkney Islands Council is ready to welcome a cruise ship into Kirkwall : Cruise Ships to Return to Orkney
People are reminded to:
- get the vaccine when you are offered it
- wear a face covering, clean hands and surfaces regularly
- avoid crowded places and stay 1m away from other people
- meet outside if you can, and open windows when indoors
- if you have symptoms get a test and stay at home
- take regular tests if you don’t have symptoms to reduce the risk of spreading the virus
- use the Protect Scotland and Check-in Scotland apps

Reporter: Fiona Grahame
Categories: Uncategorized