Moray response to surge in Covid-19 cases hailed as "amazing" by vaccination team
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MORAY residents have been praised for an "amazing" response to the recent Covid-19 spike in the area.
After a surge in positive cases – which saw Moray have the worst rate of Covid-19 per head of population in Scotland last week – vaccination and testing programmes were ramped up locally.
In the last two weeks alone, more than 2000 Covid-19 tests have been taken – with hard-working vaccination teams having jabbed more than 20,000 people.
As a result, the number of positive Covid-19 cases has fallen from 95 across a seven day period to 36 – with hopes this could push Moray towards tier two of coronavirus restrictions today.
Laura Sutherland, Vaccination Programme Lead for Moray, said: "The response from people right across the area to the vaccination programme has been nothing short of amazing.
"I want to thank everyone who has come along to get vaccinated because that is what is making the difference.
"In total, 68 per cent of 18 to 29 year olds who hadn't previously been jabbed for health or work reasons have now had their first vaccination.
"Those aged between 30 and 39 are a little bit behind at 64 per cent and I would absolutely encourage them to take up the offer of a jab.
"We are currently using the Pfizer vaccine for the under 40s so if you are in the roughly one in three under 40s still to be vaccinated, please come forward, get protection for you, your family and community.
"Vaccination, testing and, above all, our own behaviour are the three key tools we have to avoid coronavirus spreading and to get us back to normality."
Ms Sutherland also had a big word of thanks for the teams working flat out to provide the vaccine to as many people as possible.
She added: "So much hard work has gone into picking up the pace of vaccination in Moray.
"This has included longer opening hours at the Fiona Elcock Vaccination Centre, offering a drop-in facility, and running outreach clinics in Keith and Lossiemouth, plus everything behind the scenes.
"I am so grateful to the team for everything they have done. It has been a team effort, right from our volunteer marshals, to our vaccinators, vaccine support staff, pharmacists and so many more."
Public Health's deputy director Chris Littlejohn said earlier this week that the level of testing in Moray has been "truly incredible" with almost half of cases identified in asymptomatic people.
Moray Council's chief executive Roddy Burns thanked everyone involved for their efforts. He said: “I’m proud of Moray. The community response is to be commended, which has been echoed by senior health experts.
“Dealing with the outbreak here has been no easy feat. A huge amount of work has gone into the planning and delivery of expanded and increased testing, and the acceleration of the vaccination programme.
“I would like to issue a personal thank you to council colleagues who have supported residents with everything from financial assistance to operating testing sites and to our education staff who have ensured our schools remain safe places.
"A thank you, too, to NHS Grampian staff and volunteers, who have played such an important role in the public health response.
“Outbreaks are a reminder that we can’t afford to let our guard down. Stick with the rules, and when we are allowed the freedoms that come with a move to level two, let’s enjoy them responsibly.”
It is hoped that Moray has a good chance of moving into tier two of coronavirus restrictions – along with the majority of Scotland – later today.
This would allow people to visit family and friends indoors, travel outwith Moray and see cinemas and bingo halls open up.
Level two also allows restaurants and pubs to serve alcohol indoors, and remain open inside later than 8pm.
Moray Chamber of Commerce operations manager Kara Stewart believes this would provide a big boost for businesses.
She said: "Moving to level two would have a positive impact on local businesses and allow them to reopen safely to welcome back customers and employees.
"The business community has worked so hard, with significant investment, to ensure they are providing a Covid-safe environment and we are keen to support in rebuilding consumer confidence.
“Our businesses need our support to give them the best possible chance of recovery. Spending locally is key to the region's economic recovery.”
