The cumulative total of Covid cases is now at 6,114.
From the 7th to the 13th of August there were 16 new Covid cases recorded in Orkney.
Despite the low number of Covid cases being recorded in Orkney, the monitoring of waste water in the area served by the Kirkwall sewage system shows a very high positive count – an increasing trend.
Samples from every health board area are tested for traces of non-infective Covid-19 ribonucleic acid (RNA) and shared with public health partners so they can see where rates are increasing or decreasing. RNA Monitoring
The stats for Scotland published on the PHS website on 17th of August were as follows:
In the week ending 14 August 2022 there were:
- 15 new admissions to Intensive Care Units (ICUs) with a laboratory confirmed test of COVID-19, a decrease of 1 from the previous week (07 August 2022)
- on average 934 patients in hospital with COVID-19, a 18.3% decrease from the previous week ending 07 August 2022 (1,143)
In the week ending 7 August 2022, there were 57 deaths involving COVID-19 (34 fewer than the previous week) (source: National Records of Scotland).
By 4 August 2022, 69% (1st dose), 60% (2nd dose) and 46% (3rd/booster dose) of those in prison had received a COVID-19 vaccination
View the COVID-19 Statistical Report
- getting your vaccine when offered to ensure you are fully protected
- staying at home if you’re unwell with symptoms or have a fever
- opening windows when socialising indoors
- wearing a face covering in indoor public places and on public transport
- washing 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.
Categories: Local News
Whilst it is welcome that currently hospitalisations and deaths are at lower levels than previously, the waste water sampling indicates that there are still many more infections around than there should be. The general health of the population is usually better in the summer months. There is less burden from other diseases which reduces co-infections. Also, most people will be better able to fight off the effects of an illness in summer and possibly benefit from a better immune system.
Things could change in the autumn and winter months when this ability reduces in the darker, colder season.
Starting with still quite high levels of infections into the autum is not a wise approach when cost of living crises will affect many who could struggle to keep warm in damp, cold houses and who could also struggle to afford sufficient and healthy nutrition.
Poverty and disease form a bad combination which is best avoided.