Health chiefs praise Moray folk for response to Covid-19 spike
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PEOPLE in Moray are being praised for their reaction to the spike of Covid-19 cases in the area as the situation continues to improve.
Moray was hit by a rise in positive coronavirus cases a few weeks ago – with the area having had the worst case rate per head of population in Scotland.
This led to increased testing and a boosted vaccination programme locally, with youngsters encouraged to get themselves jabbed.
The Incident Management Team (IMT) dealing with the outbreak heard today that around half of the area's under 30s have been vaccinated, along with 60 per cent of under 50s.
And, after just one confirmed Covid-19 case in the last two days, Moray's case rate per 100,000 of population has dropped to 48 (having been 98 at the high point).
IMT chairman and deputy director of Public Health Chris Littlejohn 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 per cent of those 18-29 in the area, and around 60 per cent 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 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."
The Scottish Government will decide on Friday whether it is safe for Moray to move to tier two of coronavirus restrictions, along with the majority of local authorities across the country.
Mr Littlejohn had an unaltered message for the people of Moray as the picture improves locally.
He said: “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.
"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 and the list goes on. They should be reassured their actions are making a difference and progress is being made. Let’s keep going."
