OUTBREAKS of COVID cases associated with Annan Hospital, Galloway Community Hospital in Stranraer, and Midpark Hospital in Dumfries have now been resolved.
Rapid testing of patients and staff allowed the outbreaks to be brought under control, and no patients are now in isolation. After deep cleaning, all three hospitals have now fully reopened to admissions, patient transfers and routine visiting.
This comes as COVID continues to spread in the community. Though the spread of the new Omicron variant is slowing, many new cases are continuing to emerge across Dumfries and Galloway, and outbreaks are still being managed in several care homes across the region.
A reminder is issued of the great importance of following current rules and guidance. Anyone who has tested positive for COVID or been in close contact with someone with 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. Everyone visiting someone in hospital should take a lateral flow test before they arrive. Anyone who develops symptoms or tests positive within two days of a visit to a care home or hospital should inform the staff immediately.
COVID-19 tests 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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