WORK has been taking place in response to cases of COVID-19 associated with Annan Hospital. Seven positive cases of COVID have been confirmed among patients associated with the outbreak at the hospital.
The hospital has now been closed to admissions and to all but essential visitors. Visiting is still permitted for end of life patients and patients with mental health issues including dementia, learning disabilities and autism. It is possible that some services may be affected by the actions which are being undertaken, and anyone affected by that will be contacted directly.
This comes as COVID continues to spread in the community. Many new cases are continuing to emerge across Dumfries and Galloway, and several care homes and hospitals are dealing with outbreaks.
A reminder is issued of the great importance of following current rules and guidance. Anyone visiting a hospital, a care home, or any other place where vulnerable people are present should take a lateral flow test before arriving. Anyone who has tested positive for COVID must self-isolate immediately and keep self-isolating for at least seven days. They can take lateral flow tests on days 6 and 7, and, if these are negative, they can stop isolating, but they still should not visit hospitals until day 10.
It is also vitally important that anyone who believes they may be experiencing any symptoms of COVID immediately self-isolates, arranges to have a COVID test, and continues to self-isolate until results are received. Anyone who tests positive or develops symptoms within the two days following a visit to a care home or hospital should notify staff as soon as possible.
Regular testing is encouraged, and can take place at a test centre or at home.
To book a COVID test at a test centre, or order home test kits, please visit https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19/test-and-protect/coronavirus-covid-19-testing.
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