Edinburgh and Lothian health chiefs warn of ‘alarming’ rise in Covid cases across region in urgent public plea to stop tighter Christmas rules as east of Scotland now virus ‘hotspot’

Health chiefs have issued an urgent plea to residents across Edinburgh and the Lothians to follow government guidance now to prevent a tightening of regulations over Christmas amid an “alarming” rise in cases.
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The latest figures show transmission rates have risen across the region over recent weeks and the health authority says the east of the country is now the “Covid hotspot of Scotland.”

It comes as NHS Lothian recorded 140 new daily coronavirus cases on Wednesday, surpassing NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde for the first time which had 109 people testing positive for the virus.

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NHS Lothian said that, due to the “alarming rise in the rate across the region,” the health board is calling on all Lothian residents to “pull together now” to stop the spread over the festive season.

NHS Lothian has issued a plea to residents across Edinburgh and the Lothians to follow the guidance now ahead of Christmas.NHS Lothian has issued a plea to residents across Edinburgh and the Lothians to follow the guidance now ahead of Christmas.
NHS Lothian has issued a plea to residents across Edinburgh and the Lothians to follow the guidance now ahead of Christmas.

Calum Campbell, chief executive of NHS Lothian, said: “The rate of transmission is not only higher here now than it is in the west. It’s still climbing. So we need everyone to stop and think and do the right thing.

“It is the responsibility of each and every one of us to follow the rules so we can halt the spread of the virus and reverse this trend. If we can’t do that we may face more stringent restrictions. With Christmas round the corner that’s the last thing anyone wants.

“So, if you want to enjoy a safe, happy Christmas please take action now. Keep your distance from people who are not within your household, limit the number of people that you have interactions with and only shop for essential items. Wear face coverings, wash your hands. We all know what to do, so please, let’s pull together in one great big collective effort and do it.

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“By being more vigilant and stopping mixing, we can slow the transmission rates and enjoy the festive season.”

NHS Lothian says it recognises that most members of the public want to do the right thing when it comes to Covid-19, but with transmission rates rising, it is essential that people follow all the guidance as closely as possible to prevent further transmission.

The current Covid rules will be relaxed in Scotland between December 23 and 27 to allow people to travel within the UK and spend Christmas together.

However, the First Minister said on Wednesday that the government would toughen its Christmas guidance. On Thursday in Parliament, Nicola Sturgeon reiterated that guidance to stress minimising the number of time spent in another household and that three households should be an absolute maximum, and advised not travelling from high prevalence to low prevalence areas.

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Tougher restrictions - including a potential lockdown - after the festive period have also not been ruled out by the deputy first minister, John Swinney.

A tightening of Covid restrictions before Christmas can not be completely ruled out in Edinburgh and the Lothians if cases continue to rise.

Katie Dee, interim director of public health at NHS Lothian, said: “I know it’s difficult to not be able to do the normal Christmas and New Year festivities, but we all need to do our bit. If we don’t act now, the situation over the Christmas period could be bleak. The reality is, that unless we adhere to the rules more rigorously, we could soon be faced with tighter restrictions and even a further lockdown.

“Covid is serious, it is unpredictable, and it can be deadly. You may not believe that Covid could impact you, but I would urge you all to stop and think - your actions could pass Covid on to your colleagues, family or friends and put someone at serious risk.”

NHS Lothian’s Covid advice

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NHS Lothian is advising residents across Edinburgh and the Lothians to meet with one other households in a group of no more than six people, when indoors or outside, while maintaining two metre social distancing at all times. This does not include children under 12.

In one day, people should not meet up with more than four other households to limit the transmission risk.

If you find yourself in an area where it is more difficult to socially distance from others, for example in a supermarket, wear a face covering if you are able.

The health authority also advises that if a park, beach or other public area is already very busy, people should go elsewhere.

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The public is also being encouraged to download the Protect Scotland App which is anonymous, private and free.

The app will alert you if you have been in close contact with another app user who tests positive for coronavirus. If you test positive, it can help in determining contacts that you may have otherwise missed, but at the same time keeping your information private and anonymous.

Hand-washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or hand sanitiser is also being advised. This should be done upon returning home, going into work or any new building including shops and when you sneeze or cough and when you eat or handle food.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

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Face coverings should be worn in shops, on public transport and public transport premises such as railway stations, bus stations and airports and in other indoor public places such restaurants (when not seated), libraries and places of worship.

If you develop symptoms - high fever, persistent cough or loss of taste or smell - you must self-isolate and order a Covid test through the NHS Inform website.

You should get tested in the first three days of symptoms appearing, although testing is effective until day five. You won’t normally be tested after day five unless it’s for a specific reason which will be agreed on a case-by-case basis.

If you do not have any symptoms of Covid-19, you should not book a test.

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Further information on Covid-19, including symptom checkers and general testing advice, is available on the NHS Inform website.

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