It was announced by the Scottish Government on 25th of September that Health and social care workers will no longer be required to test for COVID-19 every week as asymptomatic testing is paused by 28 September.

Testing will remain in place for admissions into care homes and to support appropriate clinical diagnosis and treatment for hospital patients and care home residents.

Unpaid carers and visitors to care homes and hospitals will no longer need to undertake routine testing, but those planning to see family or friends in these settings are advised follow the ‘Covid Sense’ guidelines and steer clear if they are unwell.

Public Health Scotland information published 28th September 2022

In the latest week ending 25 September 2022, there were:

• 248 new COVID-19 admissions to hospital
• on average 664 patients in hospital with COVID-19, a 5.2% increase from the previous week ending 18 September 2022 (631)
• 8 new admissions to intensive care units (ICUs) with a laboratory-confirmed test of COVID-19, a decrease of 9 from the previous week (18 September 2022)

In the week ending 18 September 2022, there were 40 deaths involving COVID-19 (the same as the previous week) (Source: National Records of Scotland)

By week ending 25 September 2022:

• 308,351 eligible adults received a Flu vaccine
• 288,199 eligible people received a COVID-19 vaccine
• 93.7% of COVID-19 vaccines were co-administered with Flu at the same vaccine appointment

To date, 45,098 COVID-19 vaccinations have been given in 32,314 pregnancies to 31,903 women, COVID-19 cases occurring in unvaccinated women are much more likely to be associated with a hospital or critical care admission. Among the 149 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in pregnancy occurring in December 2020 to April 2022 that were associated with a critical care admission, 129 (87%) occurred in unvaccinated women.

View the COVID-19 Statistical Report

The monitoring of waste water for  coronavirus’ ribonucleic acid (RNA) shows a downward trend in the area served by the Kirkwall sewage system but it continues to be positive.

All covid rules and restrictions have been lifted in Scotland, but the virus has not gone away. 

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.