Advice To Get Tested As Covid-19 Cases Increase Across Dumfries & Galloway

AN INCREASE in COVID-19 cases has been recorded in the region – rising from 8 to 29 in the week ending Sunday 6 June. 

Close contacts of positive cases similarly jumped from 61 in the previous week to 188.

Director of Public Health Valerie White said: “Within the past week we’ve seen new cases of COVID-19 popping up across the region. 

“We know that the new Delta Variant is among these cases, and understand that it is a much more transmissible variant – meaning it can be passed from person to person much more easily. 

“Obviously, this means it’s very probable that we’ll see increasing cases in coming weeks. 

“We can see the difference that vaccinations are making, with many of the oldest and most vulnerable among our communities having had both vaccinations – which provides the fullest protection against the Delta Variant. 

“However, don’t mistake the impact that a big rise in cases could have on our region – putting a strain on an already stretched health and social care system, impacting on local businesses and employers, and potentially challenging our ability to enjoy the freedoms we’ve worked so hard to regain. 

“So please – if you’re over 40 and still not had your first vaccination, speak to one of our local team on the new Dumfries and Galloway hotline by calling 01387 403090 between 9 am and 5 pm, Monday to Friday, or by emailing [email protected] 

“Also, please continue to follow the national directions, including around physical distancing, maintaining hand hygiene and wearing a face covering. 

“We would also encourage everyone to take advantage of the testing now readily available for everyone who doesn’t have symptoms. Nationally, provision is in place to ensure everyone can get tested twice a week. We’d particularly encourage this if someone is going be coming into contact with people who are not yet vaccinated or may be particularly vulnerable – such as getting tested before coming in to visit someone in hospital.” 

Ms White added: “We have increasing freedoms, but they don’t come without responsibility – to ourselves, our loved ones and to the whole community of Dumfries and Galloway. 

“Please stick to the rules, and do arrange to be tested if you experience any symptoms of COVID, which are:

Increased temperature

New and continuous cough

Change to or loss of sense of taste and/or smell.

“Please also work with our Test and Protect team if you are contacted.”

Within Dumfries and Galloway there were 3285 PCR COVID tests were carried out in the week ending Sunday June 6, up from 3182 the week before.