The cumulative total of Covid cases in Orkney is now at 4,537.

Sadly there has been another Covid related death in Orkney – recorded on 20th March 2022. Our thoughts here at The Orkney News are with all those who have suffered the loss of a loved one due to this dreadful virus.

Scotland’s Covid-19 waste water monitoring continues to show high levels of  coronavirus’ RNA in local waste water samples from Kirkwall. This invaluable extra tool in measuring the Covid-19 virus spread was only extended by the Scottish Government to March 2022.

The stats for Scotland published on 22nd March 2022 are as follows:

• 11,912 new cases of COVID-19 reported
• 37 new reported deaths of people who have tested positive 
• 29 people were in intensive care yesterday with recently confirmed COVID-19
• 2,221 people were in hospital yesterday with recently confirmed COVID-19
• 4,450,515 people have received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccination, 4,175,888 have received their second dose, and have 3,477,790 received a third dose or booster

Please remember to:

• get the vaccine or the vaccine booster 
• if you don’t have symptoms take lateral flow tests twice a week, and if visiting someone vulnerable or going to a crowded place
• if you have symptoms – self isolate and book a PCR test
• you must wear a face covering (unless exempt) in most indoor public spaces and on public transport
• open windows when meeting indoors
• wash your hands regularly, and cover your nose and mouth if coughing or sneezing
• work from home as well as the office if you can – businesses and workplaces should follow the safer workplace guidance
• use the apps: COVID status (vaccine passport) and Protect Scotland