30 September 2020
AS is being seen across Scotland as a whole, Dumfries and Galloway is experiencing an increasing number of COVID-19 cases.
In the week ending September 27 a total of 32 positive cases were identified. This followed 2667 tests.
These cases are right across the region, across all four localities. So while locations may experience peaks and troughs in terms of cases, this is a widespread virus with the potential to impact on everyone.
While it puts the percentage of COVID-19 positive tests in Dumfries and Galloway at 3.45 per compared to Scotland as a whole at 7.57 per cent, this does represent a marked local increase.
Everyone needs to be on their guard against COVID. With such little exposure to the virus, there is very little immunity within our communities – and COVID is present in all four localities. For this reason, it is important that everyone continues to follow national directions around regular handwashing, physical distancing and observing new restrictions which mean we cannot meet up inside other households.
It is also vitally important that anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID immediately self-isolates and arranges a test if experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
There is not currently evidence of widespread community transmission in any particular area. However, as expected we are seeing people identified as close contact of someone diagnosed with the coronavirus developing COVID-19.
A great deal of work is being undertaken by the region’s Test and Protect team to identify everyone who might be a close contact of someone who tests positive and give them the appropriate advice which will limit onward transmission of the virus.
It is really important that individuals work with the Test and Protect team if contacted, and follow their advice.
Regular updates will be provided in respect of the situation, but the increasing number of cases means that everyone has to remain vigilant.