NHS Fife is asking local people to be extra vigilant after a growing number of COVID-19 cases linked to indoor hospitality venues across the Kingdom.

While COVID-19 rates in Fife remain lower than many other parts of Scotland, as restrictions ease there has been an increasing number of infections of the virus, particularly amongst those who have visited bars and other hospitality venues in the Kingdom.  

NHS Fife is asking local people who have visited such venues, particularly where time has been spent indoors, to be especially vigilant of the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 – these are a new, continuous cough; a fever; or a loss or change in the sense of smell or taste.

Should anyone develop any of the established symptoms of COVID-19, they should self-isolate immediately and book a test as soon as possible.

Dr Joy Tomlinson is NHS Fife’s Director of Public Health. Dr Tomlinson said:

“For much of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen lower rates of COVID-19 in Fife than many other parts of Scotland. With a trend of rising cases here in Fife, it’s important that we do all we can to keep transmission of the virus as low as we can.

“With the easing of restrictions over recent weeks, we expected to see an increase in COVID-19 as people spend more time with others. We have, however, seen quite a sharp and sudden increase in the number of people acquiring COVID-19 after spending time in bars and other hospitality venues in Fife.

“We are asking people, especially those visiting hospitality venues in Fife, to be especially vigilant of the symptoms of COVID-19. It’s as vital as ever that we follow the FACTS public health guidance - this means wearing appropriate face coverings, avoiding crowded places, cleaning hands and surfaces, remaining two metres apart wherever possible.

“Most important of all, if you develop any of the well-known symptoms of COVID-19, it is vital that you self-isolate and book a test as soon as you can.”

A large network of testing sites is available across Fife, both for those with and without symptoms of COVID-19. Getting tested can potentially help prevent many more people catching the virus and is absolutely free. Full details of current COVID-19 testing sites in Fife and their opening times are available at: www.nhsfife.org/testing.

For those without symptoms, a recent expansion in testing provision means that home test kits can now also be collected free of charge from more than 60 collection sites across Fife – including testing sites and many high street pharmacies. Details of where these can be collected is available on our website, www.nhsfife.org.

A range of welfare support is available to people required to self-isolate, including financial support, food and medication delivery, and help with some caring responsibilities. For more information, visit: www.fife.gov.uk/covidassistance.

Vaccination is known to be effective at reducing the risk of serious illness from COVID-19 and NHS Fife is urging everyone to take up the vaccination when it is offered. A new self-registration portal has opened this week and means that anyone aged 18 and over who has not received a first vaccination appointment can self-register for an appointment. To register, visit: https://www.nhsinform.scot/vaccineregistration

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Audio

NHS Fife Director of Public Health talks about the recent rise in COVID-19 cases in Fife linked to those visiting indoor hospitality venues [DOWNLOAD]