02.07.2020
A further case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in the Gretna and Annan areas of Dumfries and Galloway, taking the total to ten since Monday.
The increase is confirmed as the Scottish Government has announced extended lockdown restrictions for postcode areas in Dumfries and Galloway over the next few days – to help limit further spread.
NHS Dumfries and Galloway Interim Director of Public Health Valerie White said: “All confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Annan and Gretna areas are self-isolating, and our Test and Protect team is working to identify all of their contacts so as to be able to test for the virus and limit further spread.
“As this is taking place, the Scottish Government has announced today that an easing of a five-mile travel limit for leisure and recreation taking effect elsewhere in Scotland will not apply to certain Dumfries and Galloway postcodes.
“These are DG16, DG12, DG1, DG2, DG11, DG13 and DG14, and this restriction will be in place at least until the start of next week.
“Please note that this restriction applies to leisure and recreation only – not to travelling for work, or to visit family members.
“This move is intended to prevent spread of the coronavirus. It is introduced at a time when further lockdown easing is coming into effect in England, and we would note that this means that no one should be travelling to Carlisle for leisure or recreation this weekend.
“In addition to these arrangements, a resumption of visiting to care homes which was due to take effect from Friday has now been halted within those postcode areas.
“We appreciate the disappointment and distress this could likely cause families and friends of residents, but we would ask them to understand that this temporary extension of the visiting restrictions is in the interests of the health of residents and staff providing support.”
As referenced in yesterday’s press release, further mobile testing provision is being introduced in the Annan and Gretna areas. Details on those testing locations and dates are attached to this release.
Meanwhile, anyone experiencing any of the following symptoms of coronavirus is asked to self-isolate and immediately seek testing.
Increased temperature
Continuous cough
Change to or loss of sense of taste and smell
Anyone experiencing these symptoms should visit the website www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested/ or telephone 0800 028 2816 or NHS 24 on 111.
Valerie White said: “Although this is still a relatively small number of cases, action has obviously been required to limit the risk of further transmission.
“We acknowledge the effects that the response will have on those individuals directly affected and wider communities.
“This is why it is so vitally important that everyone follows the guidance which is being issued nationally in Scotland, and that which now specifically apply in areas within Dumfries and Galloway. If you live within one of the identified postcode areas, please observe the restrictions around movement and visiting to care homes.
“By doing this, and helping contain the virus, it will place us in a much better position and, crucially, will continue to help save family, friends, neighbours and colleagues from the effects of this potentially devastating illness which is obviously very much still a clear and present danger.”