Today (4th March 2021) NHS Dumfries and Galloway can report a total of 51 new positive cases of COVID-19 were identified in Dumfries and Galloway in the week ending 28th February. This total was down from 83 in the previous week. Meanwhile, 88 close contacts were advised to self-isolate, down significantly from 209 the week before.
Over the course of the week 3319 COVID-19 tests were carried out, down from 4254. The locally calculated positivity rate for Dumfries and Galloway is estimated at about 1.7 per cent, remaining the same as the previous week. And as at 25/02/2021, the overall seven day positivity rate was 36.3 per 100,000 – whereas in the week ending 18/02/2021 it was 56.4.
Positive COVID-19 cases are present across all 4 locality areas in Dumfries and Galloway, and there is still evidence of some community transmission across the region. There is evidence that people identified as close contacts of cases are developing COVID-19. Workplace settings and car sharing are areas where transmission is being seen.
National data to 02/03/21 records a total of 59,099 first dose vaccines administered equating to 47% of the over 16 population in the region. A comprehensive update on the next phase of the vaccination programme will be communicated in the coming weeks.
Jeff Ace, Chief Executive, NHS Dumfries and Galloway, said:
“The continuing fall in the number of cases is encouraging. Together with good progress in the vaccination programme, we can start to have real optimism about the prospects of easing lockdown in the region in the spring and summer. But we’re not there quite yet and we’d urge people to stick to the current guidance to keep each other safe in the meantime.”
