Significant increase in COVID cases fuels vaccination call

A SIGNIFICANT increase in COVID-19 cases has been recorded in Dumfries and Galloway.

The rise from 858 in the week ending 27 February to 1261 in the week ending Sunday 6 March comes ahead of further booster jabs for people aged 75 and over, and first dose vaccinations for children aged 5 to 11.

Director of Public Health Valerie White said: “We’re seeing a very marked increase in COVID cases within Dumfries and Galloway at the moment, while in Scotland as a whole numbers are going up again.

“At the current time tests are free and easily available, and we continue to ask people to test regularly – especially before meeting people who are vulnerable, and before visiting a hospital or care home.

“People are still requiring hospital treatment for COVID, and like the rest of the country we’re closely monitoring this situation as restrictions continue to ease.

“The fundamental truth is that vaccination significantly helps to prevent serious illness, so we would repeat the call to get fully vaccinated – and it’s never too late to start, and give yourself a degree of protection.

“For children aged 5 to 11, letters will be going out to parents shortly providing details on appointment times and locations for dates after March 19 for those in this age group to receive a first vaccination. These vaccinations will be delivered at standalone clinics, and are not available at drop-in clinics.

“Meanwhile, appointing is taking place to provide further boosters for people aged 75 and over, residents of care homes for older adults and people aged over 12 who are immunosuppressed when at least 24 weeks from their last COVD jag. People in these groups will be receiving details on their appointments, and again vaccinations for these groups will not be available at the drop-in clinics.

“Vaccination really is crucial to providing the best defence against COVID, so do look to get fully vaccinated and take up the offer of booster jags where eligible.

“However, please also remember that mask wearing in indoor public spaces is a legal requirement at the moment.”

Upcoming vaccination drop-in sessions are as follows:

Sanquhar Community Hall – Wednesday 09/03/22 – 13:30 – 15:30 

Annan, Charles Street – Wednesday 09/03/22 – 13.30 – 16.30 

Newton Stewart Cottage Hospital – Wednesday 09/03/22 – 13.30 – 15.30 

Castle Douglas Town Hall – Wednesday 09/03/22 – 13.30 – 16.30 

Vaccine Centre, Mountainhall – Thursday 10/03/22 – 13:30 – 16:30 

Moffat Cottage Hospital – Thursday 10/03/22 – 13:30 – 16:30 

Newton Stewart Cottage Hospital – Thursday 10/03/22 – 13.30 – 15.30 

Kirkcudbright Cottage Hospital – Thursday 10/03/22 – 13.30 – 16.30 

Vaccine Centre, Mountainhall, Dumfries – Friday 11/03/22 – 13:30 – 16:30 

Canonbie Village Hall– Friday 11/03/22 – 13.30 – 15.45 

Waverley Medical Centre, Stranraer – Friday 11/03/22 – 13.30 – 16.30 

Castle Douglas Town Hall, – Friday 11/03/22 – 13.30 – 16.30 

Thornhill Rehab Suite – Monday 14/03/22 – 13:30 – 15:30 

Annan, Charles Street – Monday 14/03/22 – 13.30 – 16.30 

Vaccine Centre, Mountainhall, Dumfries – Tuesday 15/03/22 – 13:30 – 16:30 

Annan, Charles Street – Tuesday 15/03/22 – 13.30 – 16.30 

Waverley Medical Centre, Stranraer – Tuesday 15/03/22 – 13.30 – 16.30 

Sanquhar Community Hall – Wednesday 16/03/22 – 13:30 – 15:30 

Annan, Charles Street – Wednesday 16/03/22 – 13.30 – 16.30 

Newton Stewart Cottage Hospital – Wednesday 16/03/22 – 13.30 – 15.30 

Castle Douglas Town Hall – Wednesday 16/03/22 – 13.30 – 16.30 

Vaccine Centre, Mountainhall, Dumfries – Thursday 17/03/22 – 13:30 – 16:30 

Moffat Cottage Hospital – Thursday 17/03/22 – 13:30 – 16:30 

Kirkcudbright Cottage Hospital – Thursday 17/03/22 – 13.30 – 16.30 

Newton Stewart Cottage Hospital – Thursday 17/03/22 – 13.30 – 15.30 

Vaccine Centre, Mountainhall, Dumfries – Friday 18/03/22 –        13:30 – 16:30 

Canonbie Village Hall – Friday 18/02/22 – 13.30 – 15.45 

Waverley Medical Centre – Friday 18/02/22 – 13.30 – 16.30 

Castle Douglas Town Hall – Friday 18/02/22 – 13.30 – 16.30 

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