CASES of COVID-19 remain high within Dumfries and Galloway, with just a very slight decline recorded last week. A total of 887 cases were recorded in the week ending Sunday September 7, against a total of 917 the previous week.
A decline was recorded in numbers of identified close contacts, falling from 1814 to 1651, but consultants in public health stress that there is not yet a basis to predict a downward trend in terms of case numbers.
Public Health Consultant Dr Andrew Rideout said: “As much as we wish we were seeing the start of a move downwards in terms of COVID case numbers, it’s still too early to say.
“Thankfully, over the past three weeks case numbers in Dumfries and Galloway have held relatively steady and have not continued climbing in the way they have been in other parts of the country.
“However, we have to recognise that we do have high numbers of cases right across our communities, which means there is a very real possibility that anyone could encounter COVID-19 at any time.
“It’s therefore vital that anyone not yet doubly vaccinated against COVID gives serious consideration to taking up this opportunity.
“Vaccines train your body’s own immune system to recognise and be prepared to fight the virus, and it’s a very simple quick thing that provides people with the best form of protection against what is a potentially very dangerous virus.
“What we’re seeing just now is people being admitted to hospital unwell with COVID who haven’t been vaccinated, and we don’t want anyone to reach that position without having been informed about the potential risks in not taking up the chance of a vaccination.”
In addition to taking up the chance to be vaccinated, people are also being urged to engage in regular testing – even if experiencing no symptoms.
Other advice continues to be promoted around hand hygiene, wearing of face coverings as required, and giving careful thought to social interactions.
Full details of opportunities to be vaccinated can be found by visiting the website www.nhsdg.co.uk/vaccines/
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