NHS Highland has confirmed a “significant” Covid outbreak in Nairn has been linked to a music event in the town.
Meanwhile, a ward at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness has been closed to new admissions after a “small number” of coronavirus cases.
NHS Highland has not confirmed the number of cases involved in either outbreak, which are separate.
However, residents across the north have been urged to follow Covid guidance to limit the spread while taking lateral flow tests at home.
What do we know about Covid outbreak after Nairn music event?
NHS Highland has described the Covid outbreak following the music event held at the Royal British Legion in Nairn as “significant”.
Among the confirmed cases are also a “small number” of the new Omicron variant.
NHS Highland has not confirmed how many Omicron cases are involved in the outbreak – but Scottish Government figures published on Sunday confirmed three cases of the variant have now been identified in the region.
Significant outbreak of COVID-19 linked to event in #Nairn – READ MORE visit https://t.co/wK6c1bvG8X#OMICRON #OMICRONVARIANT pic.twitter.com/kK96gZo3Tr
— NHS Highland (@NHSHighland) December 5, 2021
All people who attended the event on Saturday, November 27 have been urged to self-isolate immediately and contact NHS Highland’s health protection team by calling 01463 704886.
The Royal British Legion in Nairn was closed on Friday for a deep clean and is due to reopen again on Tuesday.
A NHS Highland spokeswoman said: “Enhanced contact tracing has been carried out in keeping with guidance for the management of a new variant.
“The Omicron variant is a new Covid variant which we are still learning about. Until more is known about it we need to be cautious and do everything we can to prevent spread.
“As such, the current isolation advice does not apply and close contacts will be asked to isolate for 10 days irrespective of their vaccination status and PCR test result.
“Their households will also be asked to take additional action in order to try to reduce transmission within our communities.
“We are working very closely with the staff at the Royal British Legion who have been supporting the outbreak investigation.”
Inverness hospital ward closed due to Covid
NHS Highland has also confirmed that Ward 5A at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness has also been closed after a “small number” of Covid cases were detected.
The outbreak is not connected to those identified in Nairn.
Health officials say patients are being clinically assessed and monitored while normal in-patient care is continuing.
However, the ward has been closed to new admissions while visiting has currently been suspended.
A NHS Highland spokeswoman said: “All appropriate infection prevention and control measures have been put in place. Close contacts have been identified and given appropriate advice and support.”