The cumulative total of Covid cases in Orkney is now at 5,229.

Water monitoring using samples from the Kirkwall sewage network continues to show high positivity of  fragments of coronavirus’ ribonucleic acid (RNA).

Testing is conducted on incoming waste water samples collected by Scottish Water and its operators at 106 public waste water treatment works across the country, covering all 14 NHS Scotland health board areas. Most locations are tested weekly, but this can be increased when local outbreaks are apparent. RNA Monitoring

The Covid stats for Scotland published on 29th of April 2022 are as follows:

There next figures published by Public Health Scotland will be on Tuesday 2nd May.

• get your vaccine when offered to ensure you are fully protected
• open windows when socialising indoors
• wear a face covering in indoor public places and on public transport
• wash your hands to protect yourself
• take a PCR test and isolate if you have symptoms
• take an LFD test before visiting someone in a hospital or care home

From Sunday 1st of May people in Scotland who have symptoms of Covid-19 and who have a fever or are too unwell to carry out normal activities will be asked to ‘stay at home’ while they are unwell or have a fever.  They will no longer be advised to take a PCR test.

 All contact tracing will also end.

Children and young people aged 18 and under with mild symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, or slight cough, who are otherwise well, do not need to stay at home and can continue to attend education settings.

The Protect Scotland app will also be closed down shortly, but users are encouraged to keep the app on their phones in case it is needed again at a future date.

NHS Scotland will also be taken out of emergency footing at the end of Saturday 30 April as Covid-19 cases continue to fall.