Eigg’s community response to COVID-19
COVID-19 is a new illness caused by a virus called coronavirus.
The Isle of Eigg has a small but resilient community of 110 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 Eigg.
We need you to help us do this.
As at Wednesday 18th March 2020
What we are asking you to do
If you’re thinking of visiting Eigg, ask yourself
- Is your trip to our island totally necessary?
- Could it wait?
- Could you come at another time?
- Could you do what you need to do by phone or online?
If you are planning a trip to Eigg in the next few months, please
- Keep up to date with the latest on travel advice from the UK or your own government. UK government guidance can be found here
- Check the latest advice from CalMac Ferries and contact your accommodation provider before travelling
- Get the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 in Scotland at the Scottish Government website
- Come back to this page and see if our advice has changed
Public health advice can be found at Coronavirus (COVID-19) on NHS Inform.
What we are doing
Washing our hands, not touching our faces and observing all other health and hygiene recommendations at home, and when visiting Eigg’s shop or other services
Anyone who displays symptoms of coronavirus COVID-19, however mild, will self-isolate at home for 7 days. Anyone living with someone who has a cough or temperature will stay at home for 14 days
We are practicing social distancing by
- Not undertaking unnecessary journeys on or off-island
- Working from home
- Cancelling all public events such as ceilidhs, concerts, exercise classes or social gatherings, until further notice
- Avoiding close physical contact with friends and family
- Being mindful of others when visiting our shop
- Using telephone or online methods for GP and other health consultations
- Talking with close friends and family who live off-Eigg about whether or not to postpone any planned visits
- Asking visitors if their trip is necessary
We are closing community buildings such as:
- Croft No. 6 Museum
- Swap Shop and Old Shop display
- Community Learning Centre
We are also
- Keeping in touch by phone, email, or online chats
- Keeping at least 2 metres apart if we do have to meet face to face
- Finding ways of delivering food, medicine, fuel or other supplies to those who are elderly, vulnerable or self-isolating
- Getting outside and enjoying our wonderful air, landscape and occasionally good weather (roll on sunny spring!)
- Being good neighbours, supportive friends and staying positive
Visitors to Eigg bring many benefits to Eigg and we’re very grateful for your support.
We want you to enjoy our island. We don’t want your visit to be marred by ill health or worrying you might have “brought” COVID-19 to Eigg unknowingly.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back to Eigg when all this has passed. Until then, follow advice, stay well and look after each other. Just like we’re trying to do.