Six new cases of Covid-19 have been reported in the Western Isles tonight (Thurs). All are associated with the outbreak in the Western Isles Hospital, bringing the hospital cluster total to 12.
Most of the latest people infected are staff said the health board while over 60 people are self isolating.
All non-urgent surgery is now cancelled for seven days at least in the hospital. A review will be held next week.
No new positive cases have been recorded from Benbecula, Uist or Barra which are areas of concern.
The new fast spreading UK strain of the virus is known to be present in the islands.
Analysis conducted on a random sample of number of swabs show two people have contracted the new version of the disease.
Gordon Jamieson, chief executive of Western Isles NHS, said: “We can confirm tonight that the UK variant of Covid-19 has been identified in the Western Isles so we must all redouble efforts to keep our communities safe.
“This new strain is far more infectious, and spreads far more easily so it is vital that we all take every precaution to prevent spread.”
Stornoway hospital outbreak doubles, new fast-spreading Covid variant confirmed in Western Isles
28 January 2021
