KEEP testing for COVID-19 and be sure to log your results, especially if positive – recording them online or by phoning 119.
That is the request being made to everyone in Dumfries and Galloway, as recorded cases fell last week but numbers of people hospitalised with COVID increased.
Consultant in Public Health Dr Andrew Rideout said: “Nationally, we’re seeing an improving picture in respect of COVID-19, with a reduced risk to people’s health through vaccination uptake and the Omicron variant, which causes milder illness in most people.
“However, we’re still seeing outbreaks right across our region, and, concerningly, by yesterday we’d recorded a notable increase in numbers of people being hospitalised with COVID – standing at 27 across the preceding seven days.
“An increase in people in hospital with COVID means added strain to our already very stretched health and social care system.
“It’s important that people are aware that they should arrange a PCR test if they experience any symptoms of COVID-19, unless they already have a positive LFD test. PCR testing continues to be freely available across the region. Regular asymptomatic testing is still being recommended and LFD kits are also easily available and free of charge. Please do record your LFD results. Recording LFD results helps give us an understanding of what’s going on in our communities as we continue to move towards a ‘new normal’ – and it allows our Test and Protect team to provide support along with guidance aimed at limiting spread.
“People continue to be advised to undertake asymptomatic testing at least twice a week, and we’d particularly encourage people to test themselves before meeting up with others – particularly if the person being visited is vulnerable, or it involves a visit to a vulnerable setting such as a hospital or a care home.”
Dr Rideout added: “COVID-19 represents an entirely new virus, joining the likes of the cold and the flu in our daily lives, but it is a very young virus which is displaying the ability to further mutate. Although there is hope that we are currently managing to mitigate its risk to health through vaccinations, we shouldn’t take anything for granted at this point.
“With the support of everyone in the region, our teams will continue to do all they can to monitor the spread of COVID-19 and take action in response to identified outbreaks. Please do your part, though – make use of all current resources and continue to follow the guidance which we know can limit spread.
“This includes taking up every chance of vaccination, regular testing, wearing a face covering in indoor public spaces, hand washing and considering our interactions.”
In the week ending Sunday February 20 a total of 832 new COVID-19 cases were recorded, down from 989 the previous week.
The numbers of identified close contacts of positive cases also fell, from 1128 to 882.
Details on vaccinations and all the upcoming drop-in clinics can be found at the website www.nhsdg.co.uk/vaccines
Upcoming vaccination drop-in sessions are as follows:
Annan Charles Street – Wednesday 23/02/22 – 13.30 – 16.30
Sanquhar Community Hall – Wednesday 23/02/22 – 13:30 – 15:30
Newton Stewart Hospital – Wednesday 23/02/22 – 13.30 – 15.30
Castle Douglas Town Hall – Wednesday 23/02/22- 13.30 – 16.30
Moffat Hospital – Thursday 24/02/22 – 13.30 – 15.30
Mountainhall Vaccine Centre, Dumfries – Thursday 24/02/22 – 13:30 – 16:30
Newton Stewart Hospital – Thursday 24/02/22 – 13.30 – 15 .30
Kirkcudbright Hospital – Thursday 24/02/22 – 13.30 – 16.30
Canonbie Village Hall – Friday 25/02/22 – 13.30 – 15.40
Mountainhall Vaccine Centre, Dumfries – Friday 25/02/22 – 13:30 – 16:30
Waverley Medical Centre, Stranraer – Friday 25/02/22 – 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 [email protected]
