The cumulative total of Covid cases in Orkney is now at 5,314.

Despite the number of cases of Covid being reported by a test, water sampling continues to show high numbers for  fragments of coronavirus’ ribonucleic acid (RNA) in Kirkwall waste water samples.

This is another tool for determining the level of the Covid-19 virus present in the community. The numbers across Scotland are high, indicating that with less testing it looks like Covid has gone away whereas in reality it has not. In many areas these numbers are shown to be increasing.

Vaccinations: those aged 75+ years have been offered a 4th, booster jag, as the effects of the 3rd booster is wearing off. In Orkney 1,918 people (76.1% of that age group) have had their 4th dose.

This graph shows the % of people (all age groups) in Orkney that have had a third, booster jag.

The Covid stats for Scotland published on 16th of May 2022 are as follows:

The next update from Public Health Scotland will be on Thursday 19th of May.

• get your vaccine when offered to ensure you are fully protected
• stay at home if you’re unwell with symptoms or have a fever
• open windows when socialising indoors
• wear a face covering in indoor public places and on public transport
• wash your hands to protect yourself