“Escalating and serious situation” following spike in Covid cases on Barra
15 January 2021
Seventeen more people have coronavirus on Barra and Vatersay after a jump in positive test results today (Friday).
Tonight, the total has risen to 27 individuals in a fast-spreading outbreak which only emerged five days ago.
More cases are anticipated over the weekend.
Over 110 people who were in close contact with infected people are isolating as a result.
Two residents with the virus were airlifted to hospital on Monday
Until now Barra was untouched by the disease.
More tests are being processed through the laboratory while another group of people are due to be tested in Castlebay tomorrow (Saturday).
Gordon Jamieson, chief executive of NHS Western Isles, said: “This is an escalating and serious situation.”
He added: “This outbreak and the number of people affected - with over 100 people now in self-isolation - represents a significant proportion of the population on Barra.
“We must supress and contain this virus as quickly as possible.”
He urged islanders to limit household contact and “take every precaution” to protect themselves and the community.