Ayrshire's NHS boss has issued a warning over house parties. It comes as Scottish Government figures show five patients were in hospital with Covid-19 in Ayrshire yesterday.
It is the first time since June that people have been reported to be in hospital in the area with the virus. During the height of the pandemic the number of infected people in Ayrshire hospitals peaked at 95 on April 20.
Ayrshire is only one of three health board regions to recently report cornoavirus hospital admissions. The others are Greater Glasgow and Clyde and Lanarkshire.
NHS Ayrshire & Arran chief executive John Burns urges people to obey rules on get togethers.
If infection numbers begin to soar again the NHS board have a community outbreak plan ready to kick off.
Figures released today (15 September) show another 13 people have tested positive with the virus in Ayrshire. To date 1,483 people in Ayrshire have had coronavirus according to Scottish Government statistics.
Mr Burns said: “People living in Ayrshire and Arran are being reminded to follow the guidelines on social gatherings to help stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in our communities.
He added: “The message comes after several recent local cases have been linked to house parties where the number of people and households mixing have been higher than the guidelines set out by the Scottish Government.”
The health chief said the Scottish Government will lead on the decision to impose any local lockdown in the area.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has tightened restrictions nationally with a new limit of six people from two households allowed to meet up. Other areas have been ordered to follow specific local lockdown plans including Glasgow City.
NHS Ayrshire & Arran said in a social media statement: “Help prevent another lockdown by following the guidance when meeting up with other households.
“We are all keen to see friends and family but we can do this in a safe way by considering the guidance.”
Health advice states the symptoms of coronavirus are: new persistent cough; high temperature; and / or loss of taste and smell. Anyone who develops any of these symptoms should book a test and self-isolate immediately.
The NHS wants to remind people of the following guidance:
- Face coverings should be used in shops and on public transport.
- Avoid crowded places.
- Clean your hands frequently, using water and soap whenever possible.
- Two metres – observe physical distancing.
- Self-isolate and book a test if you are suffering from COVID-19 symptoms.
