The weekly Covid update from Public Health Scotland published on 9th of November is as follows:

• In Scotland, in the week ending 24 October 2022, the estimated number of people testing positive for COVID-19 was 141,400 (95% credible interval: 119,200 to 165,700), equating to 2.69% of the population, or around 1 in 35 people (Source: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey, UK – Office for National Statistics)
• In the week ending 30 October 2022, there were 47 deaths involving COVID-19 (5 more than the previous week)  (Source: National Records of Scotland)
• In the week ending 06 November 2022, there were on average 717 patients in hospital with COVID-19, a 12.5% decrease from the previous week ending 30 October 2022 (819)
• In the week ending 06 November 2022 there were 13 new admissions to Intensive Care Units (ICUs) with a laboratory confirmed test of COVID-19, an increase of 3 from the previous week (30 October 2022)
• By week ending 06 November 2022 of the 1,369,785 people vaccinated for COVID-19 as part of the Winter 2022 vaccination programme, 92.7% were vaccinated for Flu at the same vaccination appointment

The response to the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to have a wider impact on health and care as a result of the lockdown, economic pressures and changes to health services.

Testing of the waste water for coronavirus’ ribonucleic acid (RNA) in the area served by the Kirkwall sewage system continues to show a positive result.

Vaccinations

2,272 (90.2%) of people aged 75 and over in Orkney have had 4 doses of the Covid-19 vaccine.

15, 644 (78.9%) of people age 12 and over in Orkney have had 3 doses of the Covid-19 vaccine.

Flu vaccinations are running at the same time as those for Covid-19.

In Orkney 7,503 (57.8%) people have been vaccinated against winter flu.

All covid rules and restrictions have been lifted in Scotland, but the virus has not gone away. COVID-19, colds and flu can spread more easily in the winter.

We all still need to keep playing our part to protect ourselves and others. Stay well and make it safer for everyone this winter by:

• getting your vaccines if offered to ensure you are fully protected
• following the latest guidance if you are feeling unwell with symptoms or have a fever
• socialising in well-ventilated spaces where possible
• wearing a face covering in indoor public places and on public transport
• washing your hands and cleaning surfaces regularly