Rum's Community Response to COVID-19

Covid-19 is a new illness caused by a virus called coronavirus

The Isle of Rum has a small but resilient community of 33 people. However, our island location and small population do not provide a haven from infection; we are not immune to the coronavirus COVID-19. Our community includes elderly and vulnerable people. We are working together as a community to help them stay healthy, at home, here on Rum.

We need you to help us do this. As of Monday 23rd March 2020, advice from the Scottish Government is as follows:

From now on, people must stay at home except for:

• Essential shopping - for food or medicines and only once a day
• Exercise - only once a day and alone, or with someone from your household
• Medical reasons or for the care of vulnerable people
• Travel to and from essential work - all employers should be making provision to work from home

What we are asking you to do

Please, please heed this instruction, above. This is for all our safety, and especially those providing our key lifeline services.

If you are planning a trip to Rum in the next few months, please

1. Keep up to date with the latest travel advice from the UK or your own government. UK government advice can be found HERE
2. Check the latest advice from CalMac Ferries HERE
3. Contact your accommodation provider before travelling
4.Get the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 in Scotland from the Scottish Government  HERE
5.Come back to this page to see if our advice has changed

NHS Public health advice on coronavirus (COVID-19) can be found  HERE

What we are doing

1. Washing our hands, not touching our faces and observing all other health and hygiene recommendations at home, and when visiting Rum's shop or other services
2. Anyone displaying coronavirus symptoms, however mild, will self-isolate at home for 7 days
3. Anyone living with someone who has a cough or a temperature will stay at home for 14 days

We are practicing social distancing by:

1. Not undertaking unnecessary journeys on or off island
2. Working from home
3. Cancelling all public events such as ceilidhs, concerts, or social gatherings until further notice
4. Avoiding close physical contact with friends and family
5. Being mindful of others when visiting our shop
6. Using telephone or online methods for GP and other health consultations
7. Talking with friends and family who live off-island about whether or not to postpone any planned visits
8. Asking visitors if their trip is really necessary

We are also 

1. Keeping in touch by phone email, or online chats
2. Keeping at least 2 meters apart if we do have to meet face to face
3. Finding ways of delivering food, medicine, fuel or other supplies to those who are elderly, vulnerable or self-isolating
4. Getting outside and enjoying our wonderful air, landscape and hopefully better weather. Roll on spring!
5. Being good neighbours, supportive friends and staying positive

Visitors to Rum bring many benefits and we are grateful for your support.  We look very much forward to welcoming everyone back to Rum when all this has passed. Until then, follow advice, stay well and look after each other, just as we are.

This information will be updated with any changes as they occur

Page updated 23rd March 2020