Coronavirus (COVID-19): Dumfries and Galloway update

Following a cluster of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases last week in the Annan and Gretna areas of Dumfries and Galloway, local restrictions remain in place today with a further update provided tomorrow.

People in the area have been complying with the advice and there was no significant increase in travel over the border at the weekend.

Current restrictions include travelling no more than five miles for leisure purposes and care home visits not being permitted.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney chaired a meeting of the Scottish Government’s Resilience Group today.

Mr Swinney said:

“I would like to thank everyone in Dumfries and Galloway for following the advice and continuing to comply with the restrictions over the weekend to stop the spread of the virus.

“More than 1,500 tests have been carried out in Dumfries and Galloway with 12 positive cases being identified.

“Working closely with local partners, we are confident the outbreak has now been contained. However, we want to ensure that the risk of contracting the virus in these communities is not higher than the rest of the country before lifting restrictions.

“We are asking people in the area to continue to follow the current restrictions and we will aim to lift these as soon as we possibly can. I have asked for further assurances before doing so and the Scottish Government will provide an update tomorrow.”

National Clinical Director Jason Leitch said:

“We know this has been a particularly difficult few days for residents in Dumfries and Galloway as restrictions have been lifted in the rest of the country and the cooperation of local communities has been excellent.

“It is important to remember that it is not an individual’s fault if they contract this illness and if you do develop any symptoms you should stay at home and request a test as soon as possible.

“Local partnerships have worked well together to manage the situation and contain the spread of the virus and this will help us learn and plan for any future clusters.”

Dumfries and Galloway Council Leader Elaine Murray said:

“I want to thank the communities within the affected postcode areas of Dumfries and Galloway for following all the Government guidelines over the weekend and for the communities patience and understanding. This response shows how our communities in Dumfries and Galloway pull together at difficult times like this and I want to personally thank them for everything that they have done.

“I want to thank the staff involved in our local partnership who have helped with the response of the outbreak over the weekend, particularly our partners in NHS Dumfries and Galloway, Police Scotland and of course our Council staff.”

Background

People in Scotland living in the postcode areas of DG16 (Gretna), DG12 (Annan), DG1 and DG2 (Dumfries), DG11 (Lockerbie), DG13 (Langholm) and DG14 (Canonbie) are being asked to travel no more than five miles.

Test and Protect was rolled out across Scotland on 28 May 2020.

People with any of the following symptoms should book a test at nhsinform.scot/test-and-protect or call 0800 028 2816 if they are unable to access the online service:

• a high temperature or fever
• a new continuous cough
• a loss of, or change in sense of smell or taste