NHS Highland’s Health Protection Team and Environmental Health were notified of an outbreak of COVID-19 affecting 7 staff working as part of an entertainment group supporting activities at the Macdonald Aviemore Resort on Friday.
Case follow up and contact tracing has been undertaken and those affected are self-isolating.
An eight case amongst staff has since been confirmed.
Both NHS Highland’s Health Protection Team and Highland Council’s Environmental Health Department are working with the venue to manage and monitor the situation.
The hotel had full track and trace details for all those that stayed in the hotel and who attended the grotto and activity centres.
Three advice notes were provided to the Hotel management to send out to staff, all relevant previous and current guests and to those attending the grotto since 11 December.
Environmental Health have carried out a site inspection and instructed a number of changes to the activities provided.
As a precautionary measure, customers are asked who have stayed at the hotel since Friday 11th December, or taken part in any of the festive activities at the hotel, including those who have visited Santa’s Grotto, to remain vigilant for the symptoms of COVID-19.
NHS Highland’s Health Protection Team has undertaken case follow up in accordance with national guidance.
Contact tracing is being carried out with all those identified as close contacts being advised to self-isolate.
Any close contacts of positive cases will be identified through this route – if you are not contacted by the Health Protection Team please be reassured that there is no cause for concern.
Dr Tim Allison, Director of Public Health with NHS Highland, said:
“We appreciate that this will be causing anxiety within the residents of the resort, staff and wider community and we are working closely with The Highland Council’s Environmental Health Team and the resort management to provide advice and guidance to residents, staff and their families.
At this time, we have no evidence of wider community spread.
The typical symptoms of COVID-19 are:
a new continuous cough and/or
a high temperature or fever
a loss of, or change in, normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia)
However, people with COVID-19 can present with a wide range of symptoms including cold and flu-like symptoms, such as sore throat, headache and diarrhoea.
If you develop any of these symptoms you should self-isolate immediately and book a test for Covid-19.
Convener of Highland Council, Bill Lobban added:
“I understand that many people will be very concerned about these cases in Aviemore.
“I would urge anyone who has been to these activities to be extra cautious and to be aware of the symptoms of Covid-19.
“We really must stay safe and look after each other during these difficult times.”
Further information is available at nhsinform.scot and gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19.
