Fife health chief warns of of second COVID wave in winter

Fife will see another outbreak of Covid-19 as the the impact of the common winter flu may lead to an increase in the virus, a leading health figure has warned.

Dona Milne, NHS Fife public health director said her organisation’s role was to make sure the region was prepared.

At the monthly meeting of the  board, held yesterday,  Ms. Milne said: “Yes we will see outbreaks in Fife. We will see outbreaks across the country, and our role within public health is to try and prevent those where possible.

“We’re looking at a period of seasonal flu vaccination, we’re looking at getting ourselves ready for Covid vaccine whenever that will be.”

Since lockdown, 941 people in Fife have tested postive for the virus.

So far, there have been 201 covid-related deaths in the region, with the last on July 6.

The warning of a second wave comes as NHS Fife continues to work on its “remobilisation plan” to prevent Covid 19 cases. It will will run through autumn and winter. The Scottish Government is expected to review the plan tomorrow.

Carol Potter chief executive, said: “It needs to be really adaptable to function with the presence of Covid and also the challenges of our normal season flu as well.”

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Ms Milne is urging the public to keep following government regulations so that the virus can be controlled and effectively prevented.

She added:  “I’m try to continue to give messages out to the public along with our partners in the Scottish government to continue to remind people that, although things are started to become less restrictive and we are allowed to get out more and see people – which is really good for our mental health – we still need people to follow public health measures.

“That means keeping our distance, hand washing, cleaning surfaces, wearing face masks.

“These things are really important. I’m really keen we get that message out to people to follow that.”