As COVID-19 cases rise, people in the Scottish Borders are being urged to be extra vigilant to help stop the spread of the virus
Latest figures from Public Health Scotland show the rate of positive tests in the area has doubled in a week to 66.7 cases per 100k people.
NHS Borders Chief Executive, Ralph Roberts
"Cases of COVID-19 are rising not only across Scotland but also here in the Borders. It is vital that we do not become complacent to the threat of this highly transmissible virus. When you mix with others there is a potential opportunity to catch or pass on COVID-19 – be this at school, work or in social settings. This is even more likely with the new Delta variant that is in circulation.
“Please consider how many people you are mixing with and the circumstances around these occasions – for example meet outdoors and in smaller groups whenever possible. It is crucial that we all continue to stick to the rules and follow the FACTS.
“We know that the vaccine is safe and has an impact on hospital admissions as well as the severity of cases. Please protect yourself and your loved ones by coming forward to get vaccinated when it is your turn, including when it is time for your second dose to ensure that you have greater protection against COVID-19.
“Over 80k people have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in the Borders so far, that is around 85% of our total eligible population. In addition, over 59k people have received their second dose.
“We are running a drop-in AstraZeneca vaccination clinic this Saturday (19 June) at the Borders Events Centre at Springwood Park in Kelso from 9:30am-4:30pm for Borders residents in certain groups. People aged 40 and over who have not had their first vaccination can turn up without an appointment to get vaccinated. Those who had their first dose of the AstraZenca vaccine before 25 April can also turn up, even if they have already have an appointment scheduled for their second dose.
“People will be seen on a first come first served basis so please be patient if you have to wait.”
Impact on schools
A number of schools in the Borders currently have COVID-19 cases, with some pupils having to self-isolate. These are St Peter's Primary (Galashiels), Burgh Primary (Galashiels), Jedburgh Grammar Campus, Berwickshire High (Duns) and West Linton Primary.
In addition, there are also community cases of COVID-19 in both Hawick and Selkirk, which have resulted in some pupils at schools in these areas having to self-isolate as they have been deemed 'close contacts' of positive cases. It is important to emphasise, however, that these contacts happened in the community rather than in school.
Councillor Shona Haslam, Leader
"We are working closely with NHS Borders to manage any COVID-19 incidents in our schools and continue to ensure the most appropriate advice and updates are provided as required for parents and staff. When action is required this is being taken quickly and in partnership with schools and parents.
"We have all necessary risk assessments and safety measures in place in our schools but these new cases are a timely reminder that COVID-19 isn't going away just yet. Please be extra vigilant and continue to follow all the guidance in place."
Testing Information
Anyone with any COVID-19 symptoms, should book a test and they, and anyone they live with, should self-isolate immediately.
Anyone in your household without symptoms, who has not been told they are a contact of someone with COVID-19, can get tested for COVID-19 by getting a home test kit via:
- collecting LFD tests from the local Borders walk-through test site, which is operated by the UK Government's Department of Health and Social Care, at Langlee Community Centre (Marigold Dr, Galashiels, TD1 2LP) between 3:30-8pm
- collecting LFD tests from local pharmacies which are participating in this programme
- ordering LFD tests to be delivered to your home by calling 119 or ordering online
- attending one of the test sites which are operating as part of the Community Testing Programme
It is essential that the results of self-tests, both negative and positive, are uploaded to the national portal as soon as possible after the result is available.