Corona cluster spreading rapidly'

Nine positive cases in outbreak on the Orkney islands

- VIVIENNE AITKEN

A CORONAVIRUS outbreak is “spreading rapidly” across the Orkney isles, it has emerged.

The boss of NHS Orkney last night revealed there had been nine positive cases on the islands – the first since June 15.

CEO Michael Dickson said a number of people developed symptoms then travelled to their homes across Orkney and to mainland Scotland.

He said the cluster involves a minimum of nine people.

Some have tested positive and work is ongoing to trace contacts. Orkney testers picked up the first positive case – registered to a mainland address – last Saturday.

Dickson said the outbreak comes from a group of people who worked together and early signs indicate a possible link to Aberdeen.