Residents working with health board to suppress Covid-19 in surge areas
Published: 25/06/2021 15:58Health experts have praised public efforts in coming forward for enhanced testing following surges of Covid-19 in three north-east communities.
With cases of Covid-19 reaching 200 in a single day yesterday in Grampian – the most seen in the area since January - public health officials are reminding people, in all parts of the region, to continue to get tested.
Enhanced testing is being encouraged in Tillydrone, Froghall and Elrick and Westhill due to local surges in cases. Anyone who is feeling in anyway unwell – including those with a runny nose, headache or diarrhoea – is being asked to book a PCR test, as well as those with “classic” Covid-19 symptoms – a cough, fever or loss or taste of smell. Asymptomatic testing – for those who feel normal – is also available.
In Old Aberdeen, which contains Froghall, the rate of Covid-19 cases per 100,000 is 705.1; in Tillydrone it’s 350.8; in Garlogie and Elrick it’s 1,987.8; and in Westhill Central it’s 629.4.
The average across Aberdeenshire is 109.9 while in Aberdeen it’s 200.7. The national figure is 228.6.
Jillian Evans, head of health intelligence at NHS Grampian, said: “We have seen large increases in the number of people coming forward for both symptomatic and asymptomatic testing – and as we have seen in Moray that is the most effective way to drive down rates and keep people safe.
“We’ve seen close to a four-fold increase in testing in Tillydrone alone and we have just opened an asymptomatic testing site at the Tillydrone Community Campus. We are also seeing an increase in testing numbers in Froghall. In the Westhill area the number of people taking up testing has soared – about nine-fold versus the previous two weeks.
“With testing what we are doing is finding people who are infected but have no symptoms – so are unknowingly spreading the virus. In doing that, getting them to isolate and tracing their close contacts we stop the spread any further. That stops the knock-on impacts of people falling seriously ill and having to self-isolate.
“All we can say is ‘thank you’ to people for working with us, doing the responsible thing and playing their part in protecting their family, friends and community. We really do appreciate it.
“If as many people come forward as possible, especially in these areas, for asymptomatic testing, then we can stop this new wave of cases from escalating out of control.
“From our previous work in Moray, we know it is possible to control surges without putting in place extra restrictions. In working with us, and continuing to do so, each and every member of the public plays a part in moving us forward.”
The Tillydrone Community Campus is located at 52 Hayton Road. It is open for asymptomatic testing Monday-Friday 10am-4pm. People should not attend the Campus if they have symptoms, they should book a PCR test.
Pop-up testing will be operating at Westhill Swimming Pool today until 6pm; Saturday, 10am-3pm; Sunday, 10am-6pm; and Monday 10am-3pm.
To book a PCR test or to find out where you can access rapid LFD home test kits visit www.nhsgrampian.org/covid-19/covid-testing/ or phone 01224 558494.
When booking a PCR test, select the option stating you have been asked to do so by local public health team.
Extended symptoms include:
- Fever
- General weakness
- Sore throat
- Loss of taste or smell
- Shortness of breath
- Dry or productive cough
- Diarrhoea
- Headache
- Chills
- Muscle pain
- Runny nose