NUMBERS of COVID-19 cases in Dumfries and Galloway have increased – despite a drop in the total of recorded tests.
Director of Public Health Valerie White said: “Numbers of COVID-19 cases increased slightly last week.
“Amid current world events which are so upsetting and concerning, and as COVID restrictions ease, it would be so easy to slip into forgetting about the coronavirus, or thinking of it as a thing of the past.
“Sadly, it isn’t.”
In the week ending Sunday, February 27 a total of 858 new cases were recorded, up from 832 the week before. The number of identified close contacts fell slightly, from 892 to 839.
Ms White said: “We are still seeing people admitted to hospital with COVID-19 and I cannot emphasise strongly enough that being fully vaccinated offers the best protection against this.
“While the health impacts for so many have been lessened through vaccination uptake and the less aggressive Omicron variant, COVID does still pose a risk and it’s important that we all take up offers of vaccination and continue with simple measures that can minimise risk of catching COVID-19.
“Regular testing helps to prevent spread, allows our Test and Protect team to provide support, and gives us a better understanding of the situation within the region – as well as tipping us off to any possible changes which would need to be explored.
“So please, do continue to test regularly, using kits that are easily available and free, and very importantly do please record the results.
“Also very importantly, do remember the need to test before visiting a hospital or care home, and consider it good practice before visiting any vulnerable person.
“Please continue to wear face coverings in indoor public areas, wash hands regularly and give thought to interactions which provide opportunities for COVID to spread.
“We’re still in a period of transitioning to live with this virus, but please do keep up efforts and adopt these behaviours over coming weeks.”
Upcoming vaccination drop-in sessions are as follows:
Sanquhar Community Hall – Wednesday 02/03/22 – 13:30 – 15:30
Annan, Charles Street- Wednesday 02/03/22 – 13.30 – 16.30
Newton Stewart Cottage Hospital – Wednesday 02/03/22 – 13.30 – 15.30
Castle Douglas Town Hall – Wednesday 02/03/22 – 13.30 – 16.30
Vaccine Centre, Mountainhall, Dumfries – Thursday 03/03/22 – 13:30 – 16:30
Moffat Cottage Hospital – Thursday 03/03/22 – 13.30 – 15.30
Newton Stewart Cottage Hospital- Thursday 03/03/22 – 13.30 – 15.30
Kirkcudbright Cottage Hospital – Thursday 03/03/22 – 13.30 – 16.30
Vaccine Centre, Mountainhall, Dumfries – Friday 04/03/22 – 13:30 – 16:30
Canonbie Village Hall – Friday 04/03/22 – 13.30 – 15.45
Waverley Medical Centre, Stranraer – Friday 04/03/22 – 13.30 – 16.30
Castle Douglas Town Hall – Friday 04/03/22 – 13.30 – 16.30
Thornhill Rehab Suite – Monday 07/03/22 – 13:30 – 15:30
Annan, Charles Street – Monday 07/03/22 – 13.30 – 16.30
Waverley Medical Centre – Monday 07/03/22 – 13.30 – 16.30
Vaccine Centre, Mountainhall, Dumfries – Tuesday 08/03/22 – 13:30 – 16:30
Annan, Charles Street – Tuesday 08/03/22 – 13.30 – 16.30
Waverley Medical Centre, Stranraer – Tuesday 08/03/22 – 13.30 – 16.30
Sanquhar Community Hall – Wednesday 09/03/22 – 13:30 – 15:30
Annan, Charles Street – Wednesday 09/03/22 – 13.30 – 16.30
Newton Stewart Cottage Hospital – Wednesday 09/03/22 – 13.30 – 15.30
Castle Douglas Town Hall – Wednesday 09/03/22 – 13.30 – 16.30
Vaccine Centre, Mountainhall – Thursday 10/03/22 – 13:30 – 16:30
Moffat Cottage Hospital – Thursday 10/03/22 – 13:30 – 16:30
Newton Stewart Cottage Hospital – Thursday 10/03/22 – 13.30 – 15.30
Kirkcudbright Cottage Hospital – Thursday 10/03/22 – 13.30 – 16.30
Vaccine Centre, Mountainhall, Dumfries – Friday 11/03/22 – 13:30 – 16:30
Canonbie Village Hall– Friday 11/03/22 – 13.30 – 15.45
Waverley Medical Centre, Stranraer – Friday 11/03/22 – 13.30 – 16.30
Castle Douglas Town Hall, – Friday 11/03/22 – 13.30 – 16.30
Thornhill Rehab Suite – Monday 14/03/22 – 13:30 – 15:30
Annan, Charles Street – Monday 14/03/22 – 13.30 – 16.30
Waverley Medical Centre, Stranraer – Monday 14/03/22 – 13.30 – 16.30
Vaccine Centre, Mountainhall, Dumfries – Tuesday 15/03/22 – 13:30 – 16:30
Annan, Charles Street – Tuesday 15/03/22 – 13.30 – 16.30
Waverley Medical Centre, Stranraer – Tuesday 15/03/22 – 13.30 – 16.30
Sanquhar Community Hall – Wednesday 16/03/22 – 13:30 – 15:30
Annan, Charles Street – Wednesday 16/03/22 – 13.30 – 16.30
Newton Stewart Cottage Hospital – Wednesday 16/03/22 – 13.30 – 15.30
Castle Douglas Town Hall – Wednesday 16/03/22 – 13.30 – 16.30
Vaccine Centre, Mountainhall, Dumfries – Thursday 17/03/22 – 13:30 – 16:30
Moffat Cottage Hospital – Thursday 17/03/22 – 13:30 – 16:30
Kirkcudbright Cottage Hospital – Thursday 17/03/22 – 13.30 – 16.30
Newton Stewart Cottage Hospital – Thursday 17/03/22 – 13.30 – 15.30
Vaccine Centre, Mountainhall, Dumfries – Friday 18/03/22 – 13:30 – 16:30
Canonbie Village Hall – Friday 18/02/22 – 13.30 – 15.45
Waverley Medical Centre – Friday 18/02/22 – 13.30 – 16.30
Castle Douglas Town Hall – Friday 18/02/22 – 13.30 – 16.30
Drop-ins may require queuing, and with vaccinations as vaccine supplies allow. People are advised to dress warmly.
Book your booster now using the national portal https://vacs.nhs.scot/csp, or by calling the free number 0800 030 8013.
The local helpline can handle a limited number of enquiries for anyone experiencing problems with the national system – calling 01387 403090 or emailing [email protected]
