The cumulative total of Covid cases recorded on 8th of March 2022 is now at 3,888.

This graph for Orkney shows that some people are being infected with Covid more than once.

And this graph is the 7 day rate of positivity in Orkney (per 100,000 population)

Please remember that there are people who for medical reasons, or because they are too young, cannot be vaccinated against Covid. Only 56.8% of those aged 12 – 15 in Orkney have had their second jag. That is why it is so important to limit the transmission of this dreadful virus – to protect others.

This graph illustrates the vaccination % for the third (booster) jag for age groups in Orkney.

There are also many people suffering the long term effects of Covid.  Common symptoms can include, but are not limited to; fatigue, persisting high temperature, breathlessness, cognitive impairment, generalised pain, and mental health problems.

The stats for Scotland published on 8th of March 2022 are as follows:

• 11,685 new cases of COVID-19 reported.
• 19 new reported deaths of people who have tested positive
• 19 people were in intensive care yesterday with recently confirmed COVID-19
• 1,440 people were in hospital yesterday with recently confirmed COVID-19
• 4,438,843 people have received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccination, 4,163,548 have received their second dose, and 3,454,185 have received a third dose or booster

Care Homes in Scotland, 8th of March

• Number of residents testing positive for Covid: 500
• Number of staff testing positive for Covid: 521

The number of NHS staff unable to work due to Covid on 1st March 2022 in Scotland was 3,740

20,375 children and young people were not in school because of Covid (4th March 2022)

To help protect yourself and others:

• get the vaccine or the vaccine booster 
• take lateral flow tests twice a week, and if visiting someone vulnerable or going to a crowded place – get lateral flow tests
• follow the guidance on self-isolating and booking a test
• wear a face covering where required
• if mixing with others, try to gather in small groups only
• wash your hands regularly and cover your nose and mouth if coughing or sneezing
• open windows when meeting indoors
• a mixture of home and office working is allowed 
• use the apps: COVID status, Protect Scotland and Check-in Scotland