Joint message from NHS Dumfries and Galloway and Dumfries and Galloway Council
ADVICE to take care, follow the rules and use your judgement around socialising is being promoted as Dumfries and Galloway moves to Level 1.
This weekend marks the first for the region after six weeks spent in Level 2 on the national COVID protection framework.
The lifting of some restrictions comes after all the efforts and sacrifices made by people across the region which have helped reduce the number of new cases. However, there are still new cases of the coronavirus being identified right across the region, and there is still a need to be on guard.
Pubs and restaurants will be operating with fewer restrictions, but people are please asked to follow the continuing limitations and guidance – including physical distancing, use of face coverings, and providing contact details.
Neighbouring local authority areas currently have higher rates of COVID than Dumfries and Galloway, and the coronavirus does not recognise or respect boundaries.
We are particularly conscious of the challenges faced by communities which border others outside the region with higher rates, and recognise they must be especially on guard.
Upper Nithsdale is currently experiencing a cluster of cases, and support is being provided with additional COVID-19 testing based out of Kelloholm on Monday and Wednesday next week.
While we would encourage those communities on the borders of the region to be particular thoughtful, it is vital that everyone across the whole of Dumfries and Galloway continues to follow the national directions.
A reminder is being issued that, despite the move from Level 2 to Level 1, minimal travel is recommended between different levels, and no travel is permitted into Level 3 and 4 areas outside Dumfries and Galloway unless absolutely essential.
In addition, in-home socialising is still not permitted in Dumfries and Galloway, and a maximum of six people from two households are allowed to meet in indoor public places, and eight people from three households outdoors.
The FACTS guidance meanwhile continues to remind people of:
· Face coverings
· Avoid crowded places
· Clean your hands and clean hard surfaces
· Keep two metres distance from people from other households
· Self-isolate, and get tested immediately, if you have any of the symptoms
Appointments for COVID-19 tests can be made by those with symptoms by logging on to the website: https://www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test
If you do not have access to the internet please phone 0800 028 2816
If you work in health or social care, the Emergency Services, or Dumfries and Galloway Council and have symptoms of coronavirus (even if mild) then please arrange for testing through NHS Dumfries and Galloway through the well established routes.