The cumulative total of Covid cases in Orkney is now at 6,154.

Despite the low number of recorded positive cases in Orkney, water monitoring of the Kirkwall sewage system continues to show high and increasing rates of Covid-19 ribonucleic acid (RNA) .

Public Health Scotland reports on Covid weekly stats for 31st August 2022 as follows:

In Scotland, in the week ending 16 August 2022, the estimated number of people testing positive for COVID-19 was 135,000 (95% credible interval: 111,400 to 161,800), equating to 2.56% of the population, or around 1 in 40 people (Source: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey, UK – Office for National Statistics)

In the week ending 28 August 2022 there were:

• 6 new admissions to intensive care units (ICUs) with a laboratory-confirmed test of COVID-19, a decrease of 5 from the previous week (21 August 2022)
• on average 699 patients in hospital with COVID-19, a 14.7% decrease from the previous week ending 21 August 2022 (819)

In the week ending 21 August 2022, there were 57 deaths involving COVID-19 (10 fewer than the previous week) (source: National Records of Scotland).

View the COVID-19 Statistical Report

We all need to keep playing our part to protect ourselves and others. You can do this by:

• 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.