Grantown COVID-19 cluster increases to 31
29 cases are linked to the Millers of Speyside abattoir
Covid-19 cases within the Grantown area has increased to 31.
Millers of Speyside has voluntarily closed for two weeks as 29 cases have been linked to the abattoir.
NHS Highland say their Health Protection Team has undertaken case follow up in accordance with national guidance.
Contact tracing is being carried out with all those identified as close contacts being advised to self-isolate.
The health board have also advised local care homes to suspend visiting with immediate effect.
They also highlighted that there is currently no evidence food is a source of COVID -19, and it is very unlikely it can be transmitted through consumption.
NHS Highland's Director of Public Health with NHS Highland, Dr Tim Allison said: "NHS Highland and partners are working together to manage this community outbreak.
"Our Health Protection Team is following up with contacts and the appropriate advice is being given to those identified.
"We would also like to take this opportunity to remind everyone that the virus can recur even in rural communities and so everyone should continue to adhere to physical distancing guidelines, wear a face-covering when in enclosed spaces, clean your hands and surfaces regularly and immediately self-isolate if you develop symptoms."
Millers of Speyside's Managing Director, Sandy Milne says the health of his staff is "of the utmost importance."
He said: "To prevent further spread of the virus among both our employees and the local community, we have opted to close our facility for fourteen days."
Chief Executive at Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), Alan Clarke added: "Since the start of Covid-19, QMS has worked hard with industry partners to ensure that the Scottish red meat supply chain has continued to operate when new measures, such as the introduction of social distancing in processors, were introduced.
"Millers of Speyside, like other Scottish food businesses, has whole-heartedly embraced these measures and has followed all guidelines, to isolate the spread of infection, protecting the health and well-being of their workforce and the local community.
"We wish those who have been infected a speedy recovery."
If anyone requires to self-isolate and they need support, e.g. with food supplies or financial assistance, they should contact the Council’s Freephone Helpline on 0300 303 1362.