Coronavirus / Number of coronavirus cases in Shetland triples to six
THE NUMBER of confirmed cases of coronavirus in Shetland has increased from two to six.
The news was confirmed by the Scottish Government this afternoon (Thursday).
Some of the latest cases are understood to have been transmitted within the community, the first time that has happened in Shetland.
The total number of cases in Scotland now sits at 60, an increase of 24 cases.
Shetland’s first two cases were confirmed on Monday, with the patients tested after returning from Italy.
Since then a mobile testing unit has been set up in the car park of the Gilbert Bain Hospital, and there are reports of a number of local people going into self-isolation.
The two remaining fire festivals – South Mainland Up Helly Aa and Delting Up Helly Aa, which were due to take place tomorrow (Friday) and next week respectively – have been postponed following guidance from NHS Shetland.
NHS Shetland, meanwhile, said on Thursday: “Coronavirus means many patients are confused about whether or not they should go to pre-scheduled appointments at their health centre.
“Today these appointments are going ahead as normal. However, in coming days, if the situation worsens, this advice may change.”
Information on coronavirus can be found on the NHS Inform website.
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