There continues to be a significant increase in the numbers of covid cases reported across the country including within Highland. Over the last 7 days there have been 615 new positive cases in Highland (to 7 July), a further increase from last week when 565 were reported. This means the latest rate per 100,000 has increased from 239.6 per 100,000 last week to 260.8 per 100,000 as of 5 July.
In terms of neighbourhood data, the map above and accompanying table highlights the positive cases per 100,000 in communities across the Highland area. This reflects the increase in reported numbers of cases over the last week.
Symptoms and PCR Testing
The message from NHS Highland is to continue to remain vigilant for any symptoms.
The typical symptoms are a new continuous cough, a high temperature or fever and a loss of, or change in, normal taste or smell (anosmia). However, people with COVID- 19 can present with a wide range of symptoms including headache, sore muscles and joints, tiredness, sore throat, cold-like symptoms and diarrhoea and vomiting.
Anyone that becomes unwell should isolate immediately and seek a PCR test. Tests can be booked through NHS Inform online or by calling 0800 028 2816.
Asymptomatic Testing
As cases rise, it is important to test yourself even if you don’t have symptoms. Taking a rapid LFD test twice a week can help stop new variants earlier, limiting the spread of the virus.
Test kits are available at pharmacies, or to order online from www.nhsinform.scot/testing, or by calling 119.
Test kits are also available at Community testing sites. The details for where these are next week is outlined below.
Community Testing 12 July – 16 July
The community testing programme offers rapid COVID-19 tests for people without symptoms.
This week there will be two units deployed for community testing.
- Inverness “Jabbernaut” will be at Inverness Retail Park Monday to Friday, opening hours 09.30 – 16.30 (09.30 – 13.00 Friday).
- Aviemore – “Testalot” will be at Aviemore Retail Park Monday to Friday, 09.30 – 16.30J
ust to emphasise that there is no specific outbreak in these communities this is to support normalising testing across the area.No appointment is necessary, and it will be open both for asymptomatic testing and to collect LFD test kits.