CASES of COVID-19 remain high in Dumfries and Galloway – but with no further increase in numbers last week. A total of 795 new cases of the coronavirus was recorded in the region in the week ending Sunday November 21, down 17 from the 812 recorded the week before.
Consultant in Public Health Medicine Dr Andrew Rideout said: “Very thankfully, we didn’t see the further big jump in COVID numbers last week that we had seen over recent weeks.
“However, this is no cause for celebration. Our numbers, though relatively steady for this one week, are still very high.
“We really do need people to do everything they can to help stop the spread of COVID – and bring these numbers under control if we can.”
Data in the region is now suggesting that cases are appearing notably among people who have not been vaccinated.
Cases are also appearing in areas of Dumfries and Galloway which have had less recent exposure to COVID and therefore less established resistance to the virus.
Dr Rideout said: “COVID vaccinations have undoubtedly played a fantastic role in helping people avoid some of the worst health consequences of the virus.
“Our latest data is suggesting that cases are now appearing notably among people who have not been vaccinated.
“It really does make the case that vaccination benefits not just our health, but also helps to limit the local rate of infection and the extent of disruption to all our lives – so we’d very much urge everyone to take up the opportunity to get fully vaccinated.
“Meanwhile, although COVID is widespread, we are also seeing volumes of cases in locations which had little recent exposure to COVID, and therefore have a lesser degree of established resistance to the virus.
“We really do need everyone to do what they can to try and control these numbers, and advice is now being rolled out in advance of the Christmas period.
“Wearing a face covering in indoor public spaces remains important, as does giving very careful thought to our interactions and the environments where they take place.
“Meeting outdoors or in a very well ventilated space helps prevent COVID from spreading. If we try to remain within the one social group when we’re out socialising, that also helps to contain any spread.
“Taking up the chance of regular testing is very important. It can provide a degree of confidence around our interactions, helping to catch cases early when they do occur and giving close contacts the chance to help prevent further spread.
“As has been promoted nationally this week, taking a quick lateral flow test before attending a social event does provide some degree of assurance.
“Most importantly, do please get vaccinated. If you are eligible for a booster, please get one, and use the new online booking system – visit https://vacs.nhs.scot or telephone 0800 030 8013.”
Symptoms of COVID-19 are:
A raised temperature
A new and continuous cough
Change to or loss of sense of taste and or smell
Regular asymptomatic testing for COVID provides assurance and helps to identify cases at the earliest opportunity. Details on the full range of testing opportunities can be found by visiting the website www.nhsdg.co.uk/testing/
Full details on opportunities to be vaccinated can be found by visiting the website www.nhsdg.co.uk/vaccines/
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