The most recent information collected by the UK’s Office for National Statistics (ONS) reports an increase in the percentage of people testing positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland likely caused by infections compatible with Omicron variants BA.4 and BA.5.
Orkney now has the highest rates of infection in Scotland.
The most recent tests of Kirkwall’s waste water confirms the high rate of Covid in the islands. Waste water data for Kirkwall will also be affected by increasing numbers of tourists and visitors.
The waste water data is only relevant for Kirkwall. Stromness currently has by far the highest numbers currently testing positive for Covid
The stats from ONS state that the number of people in the UK who are infected with Covid are as follows:
- England: 1 in 50
- Scotland: 1 in 30
- Wales: 1 in 45
- Northern Ireland: 1 in 45
The data is for the week ending 11th of June 2022.
In the week ending 3rd of June 2022 there were 186 deaths related to Covid in England and Wales which is a slight decrease. In Scotland in the week ending 12th of June 2022 there were 38 Covid related deaths, an increase of 18.
Hospital admissions have also increased of people with Covid and 1 in 32 people in the UK are reporting having Long Covid symptoms. For secondary pupils – 1 in 20 have long Covid symptoms.
Increasing Covid cases also affects workplaces and staffing. Incomes have dropped at a time when we are also experiencing a cost of living crisis.
The ending of enforced restrictions has given the virus many more opportunities to transmit and to mutate. People are expected to use their common sense in order to limit transmission and to protect others. It is easy to do:
- 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
Care for yourself and others to help slow down the spread of the virus and reduce pressure on our health services.
