THE FIRST suspected cases of the COVID-19 Omicron variant have now been recorded in Dumfries and Galloway.Fewer than five cases have been identified.However, the Omicron variant is known to be more transmissible than the Delta variant, and omicron case numbers are expected to rapidly increase.Director of Public Health Valerie White said: “Unfortunately, it was only

YOUNG people aged 16 to 17 will not receive their second COVID-19 vaccination in school, and instead need to book themselves in using the new national portal. That is the message as part of national moves to the self-appointing system which is also asking people aged 40 and above, unpaid Carers and household contacts of

CASES of COVID-19 have dropped significantly in Dumfries and Galloway – but just as concerns emerge around the possible effects of a new coronavirus variant. In the week ending Sunday December 21 there were 582 new cases – down from 795 the week before. A significant drop was also recorded in the number of close

A BID to deliver COVID-19 vaccinations as quickly as possible in the face of the Omicron variant means everyone eligible should book their booster now. As the dangers posed by the new variant continue to be assessed, everyone aged 40 and above, unpaid Carers and those who are household contacts of people who are immune-suppressed

CASES of COVID-19 remain high in Dumfries and Galloway – but with no further increase in numbers last week.  A total of 795 new cases of the coronavirus was recorded in the region in the week ending Sunday November 21, down 17 from the 812 recorded the week before.  Consultant in Public Health Medicine Dr

BOOK your booster is the message to anyone aged 50 and over yet to receive a further jag against COVID-19 or their flu vaccination. As part of Scotland-wide moves, no appointment letters are planned for those people aged 50 to 59, unpaid Carers, or household contacts of people who are immune-suppressed. Instead, all those in

Please note that if you are in Dumfries and Galloway and aged 50 to 59, an unpaid Carer or live with someone who is immune-suppressed you are eligible to receive a COVID booster vaccine and a flu vaccine. However, you will NOT receive a letter inviting you to an appointment.Instead, you need to book yourself

 MEMBERS of the public are being advised to avoid interacting with wild birds in the region, and to report any discoveries of sick or dead birds.  An assessment of a ‘very low’ risk to public health is being offered, following the confirmation of at least one case of H5N1 avian flu within Dumfries and Galloway.