NHS Highland carries out 600 coronavirus tests in Grantown as town’s cluster increases to 37 cases

The number of confirmed cases involved in a coronavirus cluster in Grantown has increased to 37.

Thirty-four of the cases are linked to the town’s Millers of Speyside abattoir.

NHS Highland said that more than 600 swab tests on people in the area have been completed and come back negative since the outbreak began.

Deshar Nursery in Boat of Garten is due to reopen today after it closed last week when a staff member tested positive.

Millers of Speyside closed last week for 14 days to help bring the cluster under control.

NHS Highland’s health protection team is continuing contact tracing with all those identified as close contacts being advised to self-isolate.

Dr Tim Allison, director of public health, said: “The investigation so far has shown that the majority of these confirmed cases are linked with Millers of Speyside abattoir.

“While it is good news that there is little community transmission it is important that we do not become complacent and continue to follow the national guidance to keep you and others safe.

“This includes physical distancing, wearing a face-covering when in enclosed spaces, cleaning your hands and surfaces regularly and immediately self-isolating if you develop symptoms.”

A mobile testing unit will remain based at the Grantown fire station until Wednesday.