New cases following a previous rise – including a community outbreak on Barra – have placed a significant strain on hospital capacity in the Western Isles Health Board area and the hospital on Stornoway is now reaching full capacity within available staffing resources. Some non-urgent procedures will be rescheduled but the hospital will maintain a full emergency service.
Clinical advice is that the move to lockdown is necessary to avoid the NHS becoming overwhelmed.
Nobody who lives in an area under lockdown should leave or remain outside their home except for an essential purpose like caring responsibilities, outdoor exercise and work that cannot be done from home.
Business Support
In addition to the UK furlough scheme, all businesses that require to close, at any level, are eligible for a four weekly grant of £2,000 or £3,000, depending on rateable value. Grants of £1,400 or £2,100 are available to businesses that are open, but subject to trading restrictions.
There is further information at https://findbusinesssupport.gov.scot/service/funding/strategic-framework-business-fund
Further Information
Link to today’s news release https://www.gov.scot/news/western-isles-in-lockdown/
Read the Stay at Home Guidance https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/
Link to COVID-19 protection levels https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-protection-levels/