NHS Highland confirm COVID-19 outbreak at Faslane

The health board, which covers Arygll and Bute, have 98 cases today

Dr McMahon expressed his condolences to people who lost loved ones during the pandemic
Published 4th Dec 2020

The Highland health board have confirmed a surge in coronavirus case numbers is due to an outbreak among Faslane military personnel.

NHS Highland, which includes Argyll and Bute, recorded 98 cases since yesterday, the highest since the pandemic began.

They say there are no cases in the wider community directly linked to this current outbreak.

NHS Highland’s Director of Public Health, Dr Tim Alison said: "NHS Highland is aware of an increase in our case numbers over the last 24 hours. This is due to an outbreak of Covid-19 among Faslane military personnel who are now in isolation. The outbreak is contained at that site.

“We understand that there are many interactions between this establishment and the local community. However, we would wish to emphasise that while there have been a small number of cases over recent months in people who work on the site and live locally, there are no cases in the wider community directly linked to this current outbreak.

“We also recognise that, over the last few weeks, the Helensburgh and Lomond locality has had a higher rate of infection than the rest of Argyll and Bute and we have been monitoring this closely.”

The Royal Navy has also confirmed an outbreak of coronavirus at Faslane.

A spokesperson said: "We can confirm that a number of personnel at HMNB Clyde have tested positive for COVID-19 and are under medical supervision.

"Personnel identified as having been in contact with those who have tested positive are self-isolating in line with established health guidelines."