Continued High Covid Rates Impact On Health & Social Care Services

COVID-19 case rates remain very high within Dumfries and Galloway – with a resulting impact on its health and social care systems. 

Cases are being recorded across all communities, and the people who work and volunteer within the region’s health and social care systems are not immune to the coronavirus’ effects.

Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership Chief Officer Julie White said: “We’ve been dealing with COVID for two years now. This has been a huge challenge even at the best of times, but when local case rates are at their highest this has a further knock-on effect on our services.

“The people who deliver our services live within communities and they are not immune to a virus which is more transmissible than ever, and which can spread even when following all the right precautions. Most people right now will probably know somebody affected by COVID.

“The fantastic response to the vaccination programme has helped mitigate some of the worst health risks for most people. However, even those fully vaccinated can still be laid low by COVID, and our staff and volunteers need to be so careful so as not to transmit the virus to those most vulnerable.

“At the present time, staffing is being significantly impacted by the high COVID case numbers in our communities.

“As ever, we continue to work to ensure continuity of service. It is important, though, that people are aware of the current pressures, and that they are aware there may be delays as we look to prioritise our response to meet people’s needs.

“We would ask people to be patient, to always seek the help that they need, but to give consideration to the most appropriate source for that help in the current circumstances.

“Hopefully the local situation will shortly improve, and the pressures will abate. We would ask everyone to continue all efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 through the likes of wearing face coverings, and would ask people to please be patient and understanding as we work through another challenging period.”