'Live safely' plea from Highland health chief as new Omicron variant of Covid-19 identified in Scotland raises fresh concerns
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NHS Highland is today reminding people of the key protections already in place that are essential in reducing the spread of Covid-19, following cases of the new Omicron variant being identified in Scotland.
Supporting the Scottish Government’s Living Safely for Us All campaign, Dr Tim Allison, director of public health at NHS Highland, encouraged people to play their part by stepping up their efforts to curb transmission.
The campaign reinforces the key guidance on how to stay safe, and how people can protect themselves, their loved ones and those around them, particularly those at highest risk in their community.
This includes taking regular lateral flow tests, particularly before mixing with people from other households, and staying at home if the test is positive.
People are being encouraged to meet others outdoors, let fresh air in if mixing with other households indoors, and work from home if possible.
Other key protections include booking an appointment for the Covid-19 vaccine if you are eligible and not yet vaccinated, cleaning hands regularly, wearing a face covering where required, and self-isolating immediately if you have Covid-19 symptoms, and booking a PCR test.
Dr Tim Allison said: “We’re appealing to people to live safely for us all. It’s really important to follow the key Covid-19 protections already in place to help keep you and others safe and prevent the spread of this new variant.
“If you are eligible and not yet vaccinated, attending your vaccine appointment when invited or, if available in your area, booking an appointment to get your Covid-19 vaccine remains the best way to protect yourself from the virus, and stepping up efforts to comply with the guidance in place, particularly testing before meeting up with others, is vital in helping protect communities, and the NHS.”
For more information on staying safe and protecting others, visit gov.scot/coronavirus. People can also find more information on NHS Highland’s vaccine programme at nhshighland.scot.nhs.uk/COVID19.
