Level four 'almost certain' for Shetland amid rising cases

Shetland is “almost certain” to be moved into level four restrictions if a new wave of coronavirus cases continues to rise, it has been warned.

Eighteen Covid-19 cases, linked to the cluster, were recorded in the last 48 hours, bringing the total to 34 within the last week.

NHS Shetland has asked more than 120 people to self isolate so far in relation to the latest outbreak.

The health board’s public principal Elizabeth Robinson has urged people to stay at home for the next two weeks – and work from home – as much as possible.

She said the spread of the virus had hit many families hard and she appealed to the community to be understanding and kind to those affected.

Ms Robinson said: “This is a virus that knows no bounds. It has infected many in our community during the festive season.

“This is not a time to judge or point fingers but rather for each one of us to look at our own actions and ensure that we are doing everything possible to keep ourselves and others safe.”

‘Should the infection rate continue it is almost certain that Shetland will be moved to level four.’
NHS Shetland public health principal Elizabeth Robinson

All of mainland Scotland moved into the toughest level of coronavirus restrictions on Boxing Day, with Shetland among the islands in level three.

Level three means visiting another person’s house is against the rules, except to provide care and support for a vulnerable person or as part of an extended household for people who live alone to reduce loneliness and isolation.

Ms Robinson added: “Should the infection rate continue it is almost certain that Shetland will be moved to level four – which is currently in force across Scotland with the exception of the islands.”

The warning comes as Nicola Sturgeon urged Scots to ‘bring in the bells at home’ this Hogmanay amid coronavirus fears.

The First Minister issued a reminder that level four restrictions are now in place across mainland Scotland to suppress a variant strain of the deadly virus.