A new appeal has been issued to the public in an attempt to combat Covid-19 cases in Argyll and Bute.
NHS Highland says the number of confirmed cases ‘stubbornly high’ and has urged the public remember the importance of following the latest guidance, including physical distancing measures.
Dr Ken Oates, consultant in public health medicine for NHS Highland, said: “Since Christmas there has been a steady increase in the number of confirmed Covid cases in the community within the Helensburgh and Cowal areas of Argyll and Bute.
“Argyll and Bute Council area now has an infection rate of 107/100,000 which is higher than 15 other local authority areas in Scotland, including the cities of Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen.
“A significant proportion of these confirmed cases are the new UK variant which we know is much more easily caught and spread.
“We would like to remind the public of the importance of following the national guidance which is in place to try to protect our communities. Please minimise your contact with other people. This is not the time to be complacent or to try to make the rules fit for you.
“Extended families meeting up in houses is still a major route of spread, as is sharing a car and giving someone else a lift. It is also vital that you stay at home if unwell and do not attend work.”
Figures published today by Public Health Scotland show that in the seven days to February 9 there were 84 cases reported in Argyll and Bute – 15 of these were in the Helensburgh North neighbourhood and 13 in Helensburgh East.
The Garelochhead neighbourhood, which includes the Rosneath Peninsula, had 14 cases.
On Christmas Day there were 44 cases across Argyll and Bute.
The latest guidance, including physical distancing measures and advice for infected households, is available at NHS Inform here.
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