Don’t visit other people’s homes, health official warns

NHS Shetland is sending a “firm” message urging people to avoid visiting friends or families in different households.

The board’s public health principal Elizabeth Robinson is urging people to abide by level three guidelines which prevent people from visiting other homes.

She has admitted it is a difficult message to put across.

It comes after a number of Covid-19 cases in the isles were linked to infections within families, but spread across numerous households.

“We are really trying to re-iterate the message about tier three,” she said.

“For most people Covid is a mild illness, but the more movement there is within the community, the more likely it will spread to vulnerable people, and that can lead to severe illness and death.

“Anyone can bring Covid to Shetland and anybody can spread it.

“That means your best pal, your workmate, your neighbour or your sister. But we shouldn’t be blaming anyone or pointing the finger. The best thing we can do at the moment is follow the
tier three rules.

“That means you cannot visit people in other houses. It’s a really difficult message to give out, but the more that people stay apart, the sooner we will stop this outbreak.

“I am speaking very firmly here: level three means you cannot visit someone else’s home.

“The only time you can do this is to provide care or if you have formed an extended household because you live alone or you share parenting responsibilities.

“Couples who don’t live together are also allowed to visit each other.

“What I am saying is level three means you can’t visit anyone.”

Ms Robinson said every person needed to behave as if they had Covid and approach others – all others including family, work colleagues and friends – as if both you and the other person had the virus.

NO COMMENTS

Add Your Comment

Add Your Comment

Please note, it is the policy of The Shetland Times to publish comments and letters from named individuals only. Both forename and surname are required.

Comments are moderated. Contributors must observe normal standards of decency and tolerance for the opinions of others.

The views expressed are those of contributors and not of The Shetland Times.

The Shetland Times reserves the right to decline or remove any contribution without notice or stating reason.

Comments are limited to 200 words but please email longer articles or letters to editorial@shetlandtimes.co.uk for consideration and include a daytime telephone number and your address. If emailing information in confidence please put "Not for publication" in both the subject line and at the top of the main message.

200 words left

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

logo

Get Latest News in Your Inbox

Join the The Shetland Times mailing list to get one daily email update at midday on what's happening in Shetland.