Coronavirus (COVID-19) latest information
*Please note this page is not currently being updated*
To find out the latest on our Vaccination programme please visit our NHS Orkney Vaccination Programme page:
NHS Orkney Vaccination Programme
To find out about the current situation in Scotland and the UK visit the NHS Inform website which is regularly updated. This site has sources of information and latest guidance about COVID-19 from NHS Scotland and the Scottish Government.
Additional information and advice can be found on Scottish Government; Health Protection Scotland websites.
Latest Updates
Changes to self isolation and testing - From 1 May 2022
From Sunday 1 May, most people will no longer be asked to take a PCR test if they have coronavirus symptoms. Instead, you should stay at home if you feel unwell.
- If you feel unwell with coronavirus symptoms or have a high temperature, avoid contact with others until you feel better.
- If you need medical advice, contact your GP or NHS24 on 111 out of hours.
Testing will remain in place for certain groups in order to protect highest risk settings and support clinical care. Test centres will also be closed from 1 May 2022.
Read more detailsCoronavirus Testing
Most people no longer need to take a coronavirus test. To prevent the spread of infection, you should try to stay at home if you’re unwell. You can still access testing if you have a health condition which means you’re eligible for coronavirus treatments.
Coronavirus, and other respiratory infections such as flu, can spread easily and cause serious illness in some people. Vaccinations are very effective at preventing serious illness from coronavirus. But there’s still a chance you might catch coronavirus, or another respiratory infection, and pass it on to other people.
Read more detailsCoronavirus in Scotland
There are no COVID-19 rules or restrictions in Scotland. We are now living with COVID-19 as one of a number of respiratory infections.
There are things you can do to stay well and protect others:
- try to stay at home if you have symptoms
- if you have symptoms and do need to go out, wear a well-fitting face covering
- get the vaccine if offered to give you the best possible protection
- wash your hands regularly
- meet in well-ventilated spaces
- support Distance Aware, for anyone who prefers others to take extra care around them
Protect Scotland App
From Friday 29 April 2022, contact tracing will stop.
You will no longer be alerted if you've been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus.
Please keep the Protect Scotland app on your phone in case it's needed in the future.
Service Changes (Archived)
January 2022
Health Visiting Service Update - January 2022
Dental Service Update - January 2022
June 2021
Diabetic Eye Screening - Service Update 15 June 2021
May 2021
Hospital Visiting Level 1 - From 17 May 2021
February 2021
Audiology Services Update - February 2021
January 2021
An Update from Orkney Health Visiting Team - January 2021
An Update on Dental Care in Orkney - January 2021
December 2020
Hospital Visiting during COVID 19 Outbreak - Level 3 restrictions
November 2020
An Update on Dental Care in Orkney - November 2020
August 2020
Diabetic Retinal Screening - Services restarting August 2020
Elective Surgeries Restart at The Balfour - August 2020
An Update on Dental Care in Orkney 3 August 2020
July 2020
May 2020
Covid-19 and Dental Care update 27 May 2020
Radiology Walk in Service - Reminder re suspension of Service 14 May 2020
April 2020
Changes to routine Audiology Service - 30 April
Changes to the way we deliver Health Visiting Service 16 April
Changes to the way we deliver Speech and Language Therapy Services 14 April
March 2020
NHS Orkney Quit Your Way smoking service has been reduced - 31 March 2020
Changes to School Health Service - 29 March 2020
Maternity Service - 25 March 2020
Radiology Walk in Service - suspension of service from Monday 23 March 2020
Community Pharmacy - 19 March 2020
Outpatient appointments for Children’s Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy
Outpatient appointments for Allied Health Professions (AHP) Services
Radiology Service - 25 March 2020
Obstetric Ultrasound Service - 25 March 2020
Optical Services - 23 March 2020
Emergency Department - 21 March 2020
Facilities at the Balfour – 19 March
Pausing of all elective non-urgent activity – 19 March
Please DO NOT attend NHS Orkney's Emergency Department if you have COVID -19 symptoms
If you are experiencing signs of COVID-19 please DO NOT attend our Emergency Department or your GP Practice.
- If you feel unwell with coronavirus symptoms or have a high temperature, avoid contact with others until you feel better.
- If you need medical advice, contact your GP or NHS24 on 111 out of hours.