Western Isles could move into level four lockdown as Scottish Government attempts to suppress the Covid-19 spread.
Health Secretary Jeane Freeman told the BBC that the Scottish Government will make a decision over the “next few hours“.
Barra and Vatersay are already under level four lockdown, while the rest of Scotland remains under level three.
Western Isles Hospital in Stornoway, Lewis has been particularly badly affected. The hospital reached full capacity on Thursday following an outbreak among patients and staff.
“This continues to be a an extremely concerning situation in the islands with six new cases linked to the outbreak at Western Isles Hospital – including the new UK variant of Covid,” Western Isles MSP Alasdair Allan told the BBC.
The Scottish Government urged the 27,000 residents of Western Isles to remain at their homes.
The area had consistently low cases throughout last year but the recent spike in cases has been attributed to lockdown breaches.
Under level four lockdown, a maximum of two people can meet outdoors for permitted reasons if they are not from the same household.
Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer Dr Gregor Smith said earlier this month: “What we are seeing in Barra is a good example of what happens when people let their guard down and come together.”
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