As of the 10th June, the rate was back down to 0-2 cases per 100,000 in all St Andrews neighbourhoods compared to figures a week ago in St Andrews Central of 78.2 per 100,000 and 55.7 per 100,000 population in St Andrews North and Strathkinness. These seemingly high figures are a function of the small population in each area and represent just 9 case, all students (see below). In St Andrews SW and SE, the virus was already supressed, as was the case in St Andrews as a whole 3 weeks ago.
Cases of COVID-19 in St Andrews had been steadily rising over recent weeks, particularly amongst the student population in the town. Last week a mobile testing unit was deployed to the University of St Andrews in order to identify anyone who may be unknowingly carrying the virus without displaying symptoms.
The latest update by St Andrews University on the 10th June reported 9 new cases of Covid-19, all students, since the 3rd June. 13 students are currently self-isolating. The total (students plus staff) since 1st September 2020 is 258.
Work is ongoing to determine potential links between any of the cases and ensure those in close contact with the positive individuals can be instructed to self-isolate and prevent further spread.
With restrictions continuing to ease across much of the country, local people in St Andrews are being reminded to 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 and self-isolating immediately should anyone develop the signs or symptoms of COVID-19; such as a new, continuous cough; a fever or a loss or change in the sense of smell or taste.
Testing remains a vital part of preventing spread of the virus and people in the local area are being encouraged to visit one of the testing sites in the town. Testing is available at the following venues for both those with and without COVID-19 symptoms:-
- Victory Memorial Hall – St Mary’s Place, KY16 9UY. Open 8am – 8pm each day.
- David Russell Apartments – (University of St Andrews), Buchanan Gardens,
KY16 9LY. Open 10.30am-5pm Monday to Saturday and 10.30am-4.30pm Sunday.
Appointments can be booked in advance at: https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test, although you can still drop-in without an appointment.
Home testing kits can also be collected from Victory Memorial Hall each day from 8am to 8pm for those without symptoms of COVID-19.
Last week, NHS Fife Director of Public Health, Dr Joy Tomlinson, said:
“We’re seeing an increasing number of COVID-19 cases in St Andrews and it’s crucial that local people take the necessary precautions to limit the opportunity for the virus to spread.
“As the public health restrictions ease further this weekend, it has never been more important to follow the guidance around FACTS – it’s vital that we look to avoid crowded spaces, maintain a two metre distance from others and wear appropriate face coverings in order to reduce your risk of catching COVID-19.
“Around a third of those who contract COVID-19 display no symptoms at all so we want to encourage as many people as possible in and around St Andrews to get tested, regardless of whether they have symptoms or not.
“We’ve made significant progress over recent months to suppress the number of COVID-19 cases in Fife, and we need people across the Kingdom to remain vigilant if we are to keep the prevalence of the virus at low levels.”
For more information on COVID-19 testing in Fife, visit: www.nhsfife.org/testing.
The BBC provides an excellent daily update of Covid-19 data at national Scottish and local authority level.
