'Cause for optimism' as Covid-19 cases drop in Moray

Health chiefs are paying tribute to the people of Moray - as a spike in Covid-19 cases in the region appears to be coming under control.

Just one case has been recorded in the area in the last three days.

The region was kept under level three restrictions yesterday, while most of the rest of the country moved to level two, due to the high infection rates.

An incident management team met earlier to discuss the latest position.

Chris Littlejohn, deputy director of public health at NHS Grampian and IMT chair, said: "We have seen a really impressive response from people, right across Moray, to the increased availability of testing and the early extension of vaccination to all those aged 18 and over.  

"We heard that around 50% of those 18-29 in the area, and around 60% of the 30-49 age group, have now had their first dose of Covid-19 vaccination.

"This reflects not only the willingness of people to come forward for vaccination, but also the very hard work of the local team. Praise must go to both groups for their efforts.

"In addition, the number of people seeking testing, either at community sites offering asymptomatic testing using lateral flow devices, or at the mobile testing units based in Elgin, Keith and Aberlour is truly impressive. 

"I believe there is now cause for some cautious optimism in Moray – though I must stress the job is not done yet. We are still seeing cases numbers sitting around the 50 per 100,000 of the population mark – much higher than neighbouring Aberdeenshire and Highland. We are still seeing hospitalisation as a result of Covid-19.

"The IMT continues to monitor the situation very closely and will meet again later this week to consider its recommendations to the Scottish Government. 

"Our message to people in Moray remains unchanged. Please keep coming forward for testing – around half the cases we are detecting are in people without symptoms.

"Please also take up the offer of Covid-19 vaccination. As well as issuing appointments, the team at the Fiona Elcock vaccination centre in Elgin have been offering drop-in appointments for first doses.

"Information about this has been – and will continue to be – shared via the NHS Grampian social media accounts.

"Finally, thank you to everyone in the area for how they have dealt with this incident. I know it has been an extremely difficult time for individuals, communities, local businesses, the list goes on. They should be reassured their actions are making a difference and progress is being made. Let’s keep going."