Moray residents asked to help drive down local covid numbers

Published: 25/02/2021 11:18

The daily number of new cases amongst Moray residents remains significantly higher than the pre-December period and the local population is being asked to help drive this down.

The seven-day count of new cases in Moray on 23 February was 68.

This is higher than in Aberdeen City, where the count for the same period was 61. The incidence rate in Moray is currently 71 per 100,000 people which is significantly higher than in September 2020 when the incidence rate was 6.3 per 100,000. It was this low incidence rate that allowed Moray to stay in Level 1 covid restrictions for much of the autumn.

Dr Derek Cox, consultant in public health said: "Community transmission and the new, more rapidly spreading variant - which accounts for 80% of confirmed cases across Scotland - are the main reason for these figures. I would urge the people of Moray to adhere to the Scottish Government 'FACTS' guidance to help stop community transmission and bring the local covid rate down in line with other Grampian areas."

Earlier this week, it was suggested in the Scottish Government's roadmap to the easing of covid restrictions that all going well the Levels system will return from the end of April.

"In the autumn 2020, Moray was one of the few areas in Scotland in Level 1 with the relative freedoms that afforded. That will not be possible again until the current rate of community transmission is brought down significantly. In practice this would mean continued tighter restrictions to meeting with family and friends, leisure and hospitality compared with Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City. We know this is hard, but let's stick with it by doing the best we can.", added Dr Cox.

Under the current rules, only two people from up to two households are allowed to meet outdoors. ‘FACTS’ keep everyone safe and help us get through covid. They stand for

  • Face coverings
  • Avoid crowded places
  • Clean your hands regularly
  • Two meter distance
  • Self-isolate and get a test if you have symptoms.