'Still virus clusters which could get out of control' in Moray

There are still clusters of coronavirus that could “get out of control” in Moray, health chief warns despite positive progress.

The number of new Covid-19 cases in the local authority has dropped significantly as a decision on its current restriction level is expected on Friday.

NHS Grampian set-up additional mobile testing units across the area in a bid to bring the Covid spike under control after it became Scotland’s coronavirus hotspot.

Since it reached its peak of over 100 cases per 100,000 people in the seven days to May 9, Moray’s positive rate has dropped to 40 per 100,000 (May 17).

Well more than half of eligible 18 to 29-year-olds took up the offer to have their covid vaccine earlier, with 68% getting the jab. Around 64% of those aged 30-39 were also inoculated as the vaccinations were rolled out across the area.

NHS Grampian said measures put in place to fight the spike in cases had proven effective after the region’s Incident Management Team met on Thursday.

Those still unvaccinated have been urged to come forward as well as take regular tests for the virus to help curb its spread.

Last week, new outbreaks were detected in Lossiemouth, Keith and Aberlour, sparking a warning that just one person not self-isolating or one gathering against the rules had the potential to cause another cluster.

Moray, along with Glasgow, did not enter Level 2 with the rest of Scotland’s mainland earlier this month, and a decision on whether any changes will be made is expected on Friday.

Chris Littlejohn, deputy director of Public Health and Incident Management Team chair, said: “It is incredibly pleasing to see Moray keep making progress. However, the IMT agreed the situation remains fluid and there are still clusters which could get out of control.

“To combat this, people in the area should keep accessing testing, available in a number of community locations. Please don’t think one negative result is enough; regular testing will stop this virus in its tracks. Early detection of cases allows our contact tracing teams to work quickly and provide self-isolation guidance, breaking the chain of transmission.

“In addition, please come forward for your Covid-19 vaccination. The latest information suggests 80% of those aged 40-49 have had their first dose of vaccine. Around 64% of those aged 30-39, and 68% of those aged 18-29, have received their first injection. This is an amazing result in such a short period of time. If you are still to be vaccinated, please come forward.

“At the risk of repeating myself, please keep accessing testing. We are still seeing people testing positive without displaying the typical Covid-19 symptoms, or indeed any symptoms at all. There are a range of testing facilities available in the community, or you can order test kits to be delivered to your home, via the UK Government website.”