East Lothian Community Hospital under investigation after Covid-19 cluster detected

NHS Lothian confirmed a “small cluster” is being investigated at a hospital in East Lothian.

A community hospital is under watch after a group of staff tested positive for coronavirus.

NHS Lothian confirmed a “small cluster” of people associated with East Lothian Community Hospital have confirmed Covid-19 and the clinic is under investigation.

Dr Tracey Gillies, Medical Director, NHS Lothian said: “We are investigating a small cluster of COVID-19 cases associated with East Lothian Community Hospital. While the investigation is ongoing, infection prevention and control measures have been further enhanced and the situation is being closely monitored.

East Lothian Community Hospital under investigation after cases detected

“Everyone should continue to be vigilant and aware of the symptoms of COVID-19 and take all precautions, such as maintaining physical distancing, regular hand washing and wearing a face covering where appropriate.

“Further information on COVID-19, including symptom checkers and general testing advice, is available on the NHS Inform online at https://www.nhsinform.scot/”

The news comes as a further 159 people have tested positive for coronavirus in Scotland in the past 24 hours.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon revealed the figure during her afternoon briefing and said there have been no more new deaths recorded, meaning the death toll stands at 2,499.

Of the 159 new cases, 63 were in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde health board area with 29 in Lothian, 19 in Lanarkshire and 10 in the Forth Valley region.

Ms Sturgeon also highlighted that the average daily case number of the last seven days is 155. Three weeks ago, this number was 52.

The First Minister warned that the numbers show Scotland and the UK are in a "very dangerous" place.

There are 274 people in hospital with confirmed or suspected Covid-19, a rise of seven in 24 hours.

The 159 cases represent 1.9 percent of all newly tested individuals.

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