Thursday 21 November 2024
 2°C   NE Moderate Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

Coronavirus / No new Covid cases for the second day

Wishart receives confirmation that testing before entry to Shetland is being considered

THE DOWNWARD trend in local infection figures has continued after the isles recorded no new Covid cases for the second consecutive day.

It comes after NHS Shetland chief executive Michael Dickson said in a social media broadcast on Wednesday that the Covid-19 outbreak that started a few days before Christmas could likely be declared over within days.

The total number of confirmed Covid cases for Shetland since the start of the pandemic stands at 210.

During first minister’s question time in the Scottish Parliament today, Nicola Sturgeon expressed some cautious confidence that some slow “progress in suppressing” the virus is being made.

Meanwhile, isles MSP Beatrice Wishart received confirmation from national clinical director Jason Leitch today that coronavirus testing before arrival to the islands is being considered.

Professor Leitch confirmed that government and its advisers were “thinking about [it]”, while cabinet secretary Mike Russell added that “we should look at it as a suggestion and treat it very seriously”.

The Shetland MSP said: “This is an issue that needs to be dealt with quickly and not mulled over.

“My colleagues and I wrote to the transport secretary and health secretary on the matter before Christmas but we are yet to receive a reply.

She added: “Constituents point out that we could have a geographic advantage in stopping the spread of Covid. Getting to the islands is naturally more restricted than to other areas of the country so it seems feasible to bring in testing for people before they arrive.

“Professor Leitch and the Cabinet Secretary point out that testing on its own won’t be enough, and we all need to stick with social distancing measures and quarantine to reduce the chances of importation and spread of the virus.

“But where there are low levels of the virus, we should be doing everything possible to keep it that way.”

Become a member of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider paying for membership to get additional features and services: -

  • Remove non-local ads;
  • Bookmark posts to read later;
  • Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
  • Hide membership messages;
  • Comments open for discussion.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a member of Shetland News by either making a single payment, or setting up a monthly, quarterly or yearly subscription.

 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Have you considered becoming a member of Shetland News?

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please consider paying for membership and get the following features and services: -

  • Remove non-local ads;
  • Bookmark posts to read later;
  • Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
  • Hide membership messages;
  • Comments open for discussion.