NHS Grampian specialist stresses the outcome of not-detected result "does not mean you will not go on to develop the virus"
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NHS Grampian has confirmed that the number of cases detected in the Aberdeen Covid-19 cluster now stands at 101.
They have to date identified 313 close contacts and investigations remain ongoing.
27 new cases have been detected in Grampian but they cannot confirm how many of them may be linked to this cluster.
Dr Emmanuel Okpo, Consultant in Public Health Medicine, said: “I know the continuing increase in numbers will be concerning for the public.
"I must stress again they should only arrange a test if they have the recognised symptoms of Covid-19.
"A ‘not-detected’ result in someone without symptoms does not mean you will not go on to develop the virus.
"It does not mean you would not be required to self-isolate if you were identified as a close contact of a detected case.
“The advice to people across Grampian has not changed.
"Whether you live in Aberdeen or elsewhere, whether you attended of the previously published venues or not, we need you to stick to the current guidance.
"Use a face covering where required, wash your hands thoroughly and regularly with water and soap, practise physical distancing, and avoid crowded places.
"It is especially important that people in Aberdeen abide by the current, enhanced, restrictions.
“Our health protection and Test and Protect teams are working extremely hard to speak to all the detected cases and establish who their close contacts are.
"Please be assured that if you are a close contact of a detected case, our teams will be in touch with you.
“I want to say thank you to all the people we have interviewed and contacted so far. Their co-operation and support, at what must be a difficult and concerning time for them, is recognised by all of us within NHS Grampian.”
To be considered a close contact you would be any one of the following –
· A household contact – someone who lives in the same house. This would also include anyone who stayed overnight in the same house as a case without physical distancing. A household is not always a family; this includes flatmates. A sexual contact who does not live in the same house would also be considered in this category.
· Have face to face contact
· Any contact within 1m for any length of time
· Any contact within 2m for more than 15 minutes
