Covid-19 is ‘still a very real risk’, the public have been told following a steep increase in cases across the NHS Highland area.
There were over 300 cases recorded in the Helensburgh and Lomond area during the most recent seven-day period, while Argyll and Bute as a whole currently has the eighth highest infection rate in Scotland.
NHS Highland today issued a statement saying that after a period when cases were either falling or plateauing, a rise in numbers was now being recorded.
Vaccinations mean a smaller percentage of people are becoming seriously ill, but the large number of cases overall has seen an increase in inpatient treatment for the virus.
There have also been outbreaks in hospitals and care homes across the Highlands.
Dr Tim Allison, director of public health for NHS Highland, said: “Though it may seem as though the world is moving back to ‘normal’, Covid is still a very real risk.
“It may be tempting to wear your mask less, skip hand washing, or to go out and socialise more – especially when many of you delayed or cancelled Christmas parties with friends, family and colleagues but I am asking you to think carefully about the impact of reducing those precautions which have helped keep so many of us safe.
“Covid is a risk to people’s health, not only directly, but also through the indirect pressure it puts on other services.
“Reducing transmission is still absolutely vital to allow us to care for people across all NHS Highland services.”
Latest figures from Public Health Scotland show that in the seven days to February 28 there were 46,374 new cases nationally.
Locally, there were 92 cases in the Helensburgh East neighbourhood and 61 in Garelochhead, which includes the Rosneath Peninsula.
Helensburgh West and Rhu saw 60 cases, with 58 in Helensburgh North, 27 in Lomond Shore (which includes Cardross) and 25 in Helensburgh Centre.
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