A new outbreak of coronavirus cases has been identified on one of Scotland's islands, one week after the first major Covid-19 outbreak in the Western Isles was declared officially over.
NHS Western Isles last night confirmed that three positive cases had been identified, with one patient self-isolating in Lewis and the remaining two self isolating outwith the Western Isles.
Meanwhile, CalMac has confirmed that three crew members for the MV Isle of Lewis tested positive, leading to the cancellation of the service so that it could undergo a "deep clean".
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Robert Morrison, Operations Director for CalMac, said: "Three crew members from the MV Isle of Lewis have received positive tests for COVID 19.
"In line with strict procedures, the vessel was returned from Barra to Oban without passengers and will undergo a deep clean by a specialist company.
"A relief crew is being brought in to operate the vessel once it returns safely to service.
“CalMac crew work in strict bubbles in order to protect passengers and colleagues but anyone concerned about potential symptoms should check the NHS Inform website.”
7/11/20: Latest update from NHSWI Chief Exec, Gordon Jamieson. Unfortunately a small cluster of 3 positive cases has been identified: 1 of which is self isolating in Lewis, the other 2 are self isolating outwith the WI. Test & Protect is well underway. pic.twitter.com/rtNddlAQs3
— NHS Western Isles (@NHSWI) November 7, 2020
In a message to residents, NHS Western Isles Chief Executive, Gordon Jamieson said: “Unfortunately today we have a small cluster of positive covid-19 cases identified.
One individual is self-isolating in Lewis, and two other individuals are self-isolating elsewhere, but not in the Western Isles.
Our Test and Protect system is fully underway and has been fully active all day in terms of contact tracing. This work is ongoing as I speak.
As more details and facts become available, you will be kept up-to-date. It is very early on in this cluster outbreak, and I would ask you to continue to follow the rules, and if you develop any symptoms please self-isolate immediately - and I cannot stress immediately enough - and book a test.”
It comes one week after the first outbreak in the Western Isles was declared officially over by health chiefs - during which more than 50 people were infected, one person died and more than 280 were asked to self-isolate.
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