New cases of COVID-19 in Dumfries and Galloway more than doubled in the space of a week.
There were 107 new cases confirmed in the week ending October 11, compared with 50 the week before.These 107 newly confirmed cases have resulted in 309 close contacts being identified and asked to self-isolate. This action helps to limit any spread.A large amount of testing is taking place.
A total of 3463 tests were carried out within the week ending October 11, up from 3282 the week before.
Notably, the percentage of positive tests has more than doubled, rising from 3.9 per cent the week before to stand at 8.3 per cent. In Scotland as a whole, the percentage of positive tests has increased to 14.1 per cent.
As at October 12 2020, in Dumfries and Galloway, the seven day rate per 100,000 population was 80.6. Up to October 4, this was 37.6 per 100,000 population.
We know that COVID-19 is present in all four localities, but the large amount of ongoing testing is by no means a guarantee that all cases of COVID are being identified.
As such, the message to every single person in Dumfries and Galloway is the same – COVID is highly transmissible and could be anywhere. Anyone could have the virus but not yet be symptomatic, or may experience very mild symptoms of either raised temperature, continuous cough and change to or loss of sense of taste and/or smell. For this reason, it’s vital that everyone follows the FACTS guidance which offers the best chance of limiting the spread of what is a highly transmissible and dangerous virus.
Wear a face covering in shops and on public transport, maintain good hand hygiene, maintain physical distances and don’t meet indoors in others’ households. Crucially, if you experience any symptoms of COVID, however mild, immediately self-isolate and arrange a test, and continue to self-isolate until those results are determined.
No one should be blamed for developing what is a highly transmissible virus. However, it is the responsibility of every single one of us to stick firmly to these directions, no matter where we live and work, as this is the best way to stop the spread of the coronavirus and help protect ourselves, our loved ones, our neighbours, colleagues and communities.
To find out the latest details on testing dates and locations, visit the website https://www.nhsdg.co.uk/testing