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Agencies respond to increase in coronavirus cases in Fort William

Belford Hospital in Fort William.
Belford Hospital in Fort William.

A multi-agency effort is underway to help tackle a Covid-19 outbreak in Fort William that has risen to 20 cases.

NHS Highland said the cases have been identified over the past couple of weeks and most are linked as part of local community clusters.

It has also been confirmed that a locum doctor at the Belford Hospital tested positive for the virus last week.

Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch MSP Kate Forbes urged people to go home and self-isolate if they display Covid-19 symptoms.

Ms Forbes said: “I am grateful to NHS Highland for investigating so quickly as undoubtedly these reports caused huge anxiety and worry – I am reassured that patient contact ceased as soon as the locum doctor displayed symptoms.

“Though they are often heroic, it goes to show that doctors and nurses are not immune from the coronavirus and must follow the same guidance as everyone else.

“The message is clear; anyone showing symptoms of Covid-19, regardless of whether they are wearing full PPE or not, should go home and self-isolate immediately.”

NHS Highland said contact tracing has been carried out in relation to the clusters, with all those identified as close contacts being advised to self-isolate.

Highland Council has helped produce a local help and advice leaflet and its environmental health team is liaising with businesses in the area with possible connections to positive Covid-19 cases.

Council vice-convener Councillor Allan Henderson, chairman of the communities and place committee, said: “I understand there will be anxieties among the community so there is support and assistance available from environmental health, and benefits and welfare and community partners.”

The council said a positive case of Covid-19 was diagnosed for a pupil associated with Lundavra Primary School.

It said the pupil has not attended recently and the health protection team have advised that no action is required by the school.

A spokeswoman added: “The school continues to follow the advice from the public health protection team and has the appropriate hygiene procedures in place.

“Parents are reminded of the health advice should their child display any symptoms.”

She said all Highland Council educational settings are following rigorous controls.