This is an update from the Director of Public Health for the Isles of Scilly
Many residents have raised concerns over the apparent increase in COVID-19 cases which appeared on a government website yesterday (8 October). We have investigated this matter and can now confirm the following:
- Firstly, we can assure you that the 3 additional positive cases currently displayed on the government website are not on the Isles of Scilly. This is why the local public health team did not receive a notification.
- The cases were not tested in Cornwall or the Isles of Scilly, however, they were associated with Isles of Scilly postcodes which is why they were captured within the Isles of Scilly data in the government app.
- The cases have been through the national test and trace programme and are self-isolating safely on the mainland in line with legal requirements.
- We are working with Public Health England to ensure that in future we are notified of all positive cases with Isles of Scilly postcodes, regardless of whether they are currently on the islands. This will enable us to identify any future discrepancies at an early stage and communicate where necessary.
- There is nothing further you need to do other than continue to follow the government guidance on staying safe.
The government website in question is still the best way to keep up-to-date with case numbers for the Isles of Scilly. If you haven’t visited it yet, you can find it at the following link:
https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/cases
Scroll to the bottom of the page and click ‘view map’ to view cases by area. The data are updated each weekday, and cover the latest 7 days.
Whilst you may find it useful to keep abreast of COVID-19 trends and data, it is really important to remember that case numbers are not a perfect reflection of the spread of the virus. There will always be cases that we cannot be aware of, either because symptomatic people have not come forward, or because they remain asymptomatic.
Your general responsibilities
As usual, you must continue to follow the latest government guidance and social restrictions, including advice on handwashing, face coverings and social distancing.
- Information on symptoms: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/symptoms/
- Other government guidance and advice: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
If you are experiencing any 1 of the 3 COVID-19 symptoms (a recent onset of a new continuous cough; a high temperature; or a loss of, or change in, normal sense of taste or smell), you need to self-isolate immediately, and arrange for a test straight away. For the latest information on how to access a test on the islands visit: https://scilly.gov.uk/news/getting-tested-coronavirus-isles-scilly
Just to confirm, if the Local Incident Response Team or National Test and Trace team have not been in touch with you, there is nothing further you need to do beyond the general responsibilities outlined .
If you have any questions that are not covered by government guidance or on the Council’s website, please email: keepscillysafe@scilly.gov.uk.