DO NOT visit vulnerable people, care homes, prisons or hospitals within 10 days of testing positive or first becoming symptomatic with COVID-19.
This warning is being promoted across Dumfries and Galloway, amid concerns that many people may not be fully aware of the latest rules around self-isolation.
It comes as case numbers continue to remain high, standing at 1511 new cases in the week ending Sunday January 23.
Director of Public Health Valerie White said: “There have been a lot of changes to guidance lately, particularly relating to self-isolation after testing positive for COVID-19, which can be confusing.
“To be extremely clear – you should not visit people in care homes, hospitals or prisons within 10 days of symptoms starting or within 10 days of the positive test result even if you don’t have symptoms, unless essential and agreed with staff in advance. You should also carefully consider meeting up with people who might be more vulnerable in this period.
“New rules in Scotland means someone can leave isolation if they don’t have a fever and test negative with an LFD on Day 6 and again 24 hours later – but they are not meant to visit vulnerable people during the 10 days and avoid large scale indoor mixing.
“They should limit close contact with people outside their household, especially in enclosed spaces, wear a face covering in enclosed spaces, not visit people in care homes, hospitals, prisons or other detention centres, and following the ten days they should continue to take part in twice weekly LFD testing.”
Ms White added: “We’ve seen over the past two years the impact that COVID outbreaks have had, particularly among those most vulnerable, and it is important that we all do our bit to prevent such outbreaks.
“Amid all this, regular testing is vital in detecting cases at the earliest opportunity and preventing risk of spread.
“Please record your results, especially when positive, and try to test regularly – especially before heading out and about.
“Getting fully vaccinated also remains incredibly important. We’re seeing increased evidence of COVID spread among people in their 40s, where we haven’t seen the highest uptake of vaccination.
“Being fully vaccinated means, as an adult, having had three doses of vaccine, so act now to ensure you are as protected as possible, visiting www.nhsdg.co.uk/vaccines
Upcoming vaccination drop-in sessions are as follows:
Newton Stewart Hospital Wednesday26/01/2022 09:15-15:30
CatStrand New Galloway Wednesday 26/01/2022 9:15-1530
Annan Charles Street Wednesday 26/01/2022 9:15-16:30
Mountainhall Vaccination Centre, Dumfries Wednesday 26/01/2022 9:15-16:30
Sanquhar Community Centre Wednesday 26/01/2022 9:15-16:30
Newton Stewart Hospital Thursday 27/01/2022 09:15-15:30
Kirkcudbright Hospital Thursday 27/01/2022 9:15-16:00
Annan Charles Street Thursday 27/01/2022 9:15-16:30
Moffat Hospital Thursday 27/01/2022 09:15-15:30
Mountainhall Vaccination Centre, Dumfries Thursday 27/01/2022 9:15-16:30
Thornhill Rehab Suite Thursday 27/01/2022 9:15-16:30
Waverley Medical Centre, Stranraer Friday 28/01/2022 9:15-16:00
Castle Douglas Town Hall Friday 28/01/2022 9:15-16:00
Annan Charles Street Friday 28/01/2022 9:15-16:30
Canonbie Village Hall Friday 28/01/2022 09:15-15:30
Mountainhall Vaccination Centre, Dumfries Friday 28/01/2022 9:15-16:30
Annan Charles Street, Monday 31/01/2022 9:30 – 17:30
Thornhill Rehab Suite Monday 31/01/2022- 10:30 – 17:00
Waverley Medical Centre, Stranraer Monday 31/01/2022 – 10:00 – 18:00
Annan Charles Street Tuesday 01/02/2022– 9.30 – 17.30
Mountainhall Tuesday 01/02/2022 9.30 – 16.45
Waverley Medical Centre, Stranraer Tuesday 01/02/2022 – 10:00 – 18:00
Annan Charles Street Wednesday 02/02/2022 – 9:30 – 17.30
Sanquhar Community Centre Wednesday 02/02/2022 – 11:00 – 17:00
Newton Stewart Hospital Wednesday 02/02/2022 – 10:00 – 17:00
Castle Douglas Town Hall Wednesday 02/02/2022 – 10:00 – 18:00
Moffat Hospital Thursday 03/02/2022 – 10:00 – 17:00
Newton Stewart Hospital Thursday 03/02/2022 – 10:00 – 17:00
Kirkcudbright Hospital Thursday 03/02/2022 10:00 – 18:00
Mountainhall, Dumfries Thursday 03/02/2022 – 9:30 – 16.45
Canonbie Village Hall Friday 04/02/2022 – 10:00 – 17:00
Waverley Medical Centre, Stranraer Friday 04/02/2022 10:00 – 18:00
Castle Douglas Town Hall Friday 04/02/2022 10:00 – 18:00
Annan Charles Street Monday 07/02/2022 – 9:30 – 17.30
Thornhill Rehab Suite Monday 07/02/2022 – 10:30 – 17:00
Waverley Medical Centre, Stranraer Monday 07/02/2022 – 10:00 – 18:00
Annan Charles Street Tuesday 08/02/2022 – 9:30 – 17.30
Mountainhall, Dumfries Tuesday 08/02/2022 – 9.30 – 16.45
Newton Stewart Hospital Wednesday 09/02/2022 – 10:00 – 1
Sanquhar Community Centre Wednesday 09/02/2022 – 11:00 – 17:00
Newton Stewart Hospital Wednesday 09/02/2022 – 10:00 – 17:00
Castle Douglas Town Hall Wednesday 09/02/2022 – 10:00 – 18:00
Moffat Hospital Thursday 10/02/2022 – 10:00 – 17:00
Newton Stewart Hospital Thursday 10/02/2022– 10:00 – 17:00
Kirkcudbright Hospital Thursday 10/02/2022 – 10:00 – 18:00
Mountainhall, Dumfries Thursday 10/02/2022 – 9:30 – 16.45
Canonbie Village Hall Friday 11/02/2022 10:00 – 17:00
Waverley Medical Centre, Stranraer Friday 11/02/2022 10:00 – 18:00
DalbeattieTown Hall Friday 11/02/2022 10:00 – 17:00
Drop-ins may require queuing, and with vaccinations as vaccine supplies allow. People are advised to dress warmly.
Book your booster now using the national portal https://vacs.nhs.scot/csp, or by calling the free number 0800 030 8013.
The local helpline can handle a limited number of enquiries for anyone experiencing problems with the national system – calling 01387 403090 or emailing dg.covidenequiries@nhs.scot