A TOTAL of 270 new positive cases of COVID-19 were identified within Dumfries and Galloway in the week ending Sunday January 24.
This marked a decrease from 432 new cases in the previous week, but still represents a high number of new cases with the real potential for continued spread.
NHS Dumfries and Galloway Interim Director of Public Health Valerie White said: “This is good progress, and doubtlessly due to everyone’s efforts and sacrifices, but we still have some way to go in bringing down the number of cases.
“We need to keep momentum going in this direction, and I’d urge everyone to follow the rules around staying at home except for essential reasons and when out wearing face coverings, maintaining good hand hygiene and physically distancing. It continues to be crucial that if experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, even if mild, individuals self-isolate with their household members and book a test.”
There were 531 close contacts identified in the week ending January 24, down from 774 the week before.
A total of 5258 COVID-19 tests were carried out, up from 4809 the previous week.
The locally calculated positivity rate for Dumfries and Galloway is estimated at around 6 per cent, down from 9.2 per cent.
As at 21/01/2021, the overall 7 day new case rate is 206.2 per 100,000. The rate for the week ending 14/01/2021 was 285.5.
Positive COVID-19 cases are present across all four locality areas in Dumfries and Galloway – in Annandale and Eskdale, Nithsdale, Stewartry and Wigtownshire.
There is evidence of community transmission across the region, and evidence that people identified as close contacts of cases are developing COVID-19.
COVID-19 vaccinations are progressing well within the region, with 8000 vaccinations delivered last week to take the total over 15,000.
However, a reminder is being issued that COVID-19 continue to pose a risk to everyone even after vaccination, and that rules must continue to be followed.
Ms White said: “You cannot let your guard down once vaccinated. Please continue to follow the rules as the vaccinations continue, and help protect yourself and your communities.”
