A NOTABLE rate of COVID cases in the Annan and Dumfries areas has prompted calls for anyone with even the mildest symptoms to be tested.
New cases of the coronavirus have been decreasing across Dumfries and Galloway in recent weeks following a surge over new year fuelled by the highly transmissible variant B.1.1.7.
However, the number of new cases in Annan and Dumfries has not fallen as quickly as in some other areas.
Increased testing is available in both locations, and anyone who believes they may have symptoms is being urged to take up the opportunity to be tested.
Interim Director of Public Health Valerie White said: “Good progress has been made in bringing down numbers of new cases of COVID-19 across the region, and this is doubtlessly due to the efforts and sacrifices everyone has made in following the national rules.
“While numbers have come down in Annan and Dumfries, there is a concern that they are remaining higher than in other areas.
“A mobile testing unit is based at Annan Swimming Pool Car Park in Annan today, Friday and Sunday as part of regular visits, and a fixed-location testing site is operating daily at Brooms Road Car Park in Dumfries.”
Anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID is asked to immediately self-isolate and arrange a test if they develop any of the following symptoms, and to continue to isolate until they obtain a result:
- Raised temperature
- New continuous cough
- Change to or loss of sense of taste and/or smell.
Although people are being encouraged to arrange a test, it is vital that everyone recognises the important role they play as an individual to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
Testing will help identify cases, but people are being reminded that the coronavirus does not spread by itself. Instead, it takes advantage of people coming into close contact. Maintaining a distance limits that opportunity, and the national message as part of the lockdown is very clear – stay home, and save lives.
Visit this website for more information: https://www.nhsdg.co.uk/testing/
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