A VERY marked increase has been recorded in the number of new COVID cases within Dumfries and Galloway – up from 598 the week before to reach 872 in the week ending Sunday December 26, and with extremely high case numbers being recorded in the first half of this week.
The sharp increase has fuelled calls for everyone eligible to ensure they have received their booster – either booking into extended clinic capacity or attending one of two drop-in clinics in Stranraer and Dumfries on Friday December 31.
The increase has also placed additional pressure on the region’s Test and Protect team who work to identify close contacts of new cases, prompting a request for everyone who tests positive to help this process by completing a digital contract tracing form.
Director of Public Health Valerie White said: “We knew it was only a matter of time before we saw an increase in cases in Dumfries and Galloway, following the national surge in numbers driven by the Omicron variant.
“The delay in the variant’s effect on our region allowed us to make good progress with the vaccination roll-out, but as cases grow it’s essential that anyone at least 12 weeks from their second jag arranges to receive their COVID booster jag.
“You can book into scheduled clinics, where capacity has been increased, while two drop-in clinics are running this Friday December 31 – at Mountainhall Treatment Centre on Bankend Road in Dumfries from 9 am to 3 pm, and at Waverley Medical Centre in Stranraer, from 9 am to 1 pm.
“The surge in cases driven by the very highly transmissible Omicron variant brings with it the very real chance that at some point each and every one of us will be exposed to the coronavirus – whether our bodies have been helped to prepare for it via vaccination, or not.
“I’d urge everyone to ensure they are as fully vaccinated as possible.
“The increase in numbers also adds real pressures to our already very stretched Test and Protect team, whose role it is to work to identify and contact close contacts of positive cases – so that they can be advised to test for the coronavirus.
“Anyone who tests positive will be contacted and asked to fill in a digital contact tracing form. We would ask anyone who tests positive to please do this, as it really will help support our Test and Protect team at what is a very challenging time.
“It is worth reminding that we should continue regular at-home COVID testing, especially before we meet to socialise but also afterwards.
“Regular testing at home is quick, free and easy, and it helps to identify COVID at the earliest possibility and prevent it from being spread to others.
“We’re still learning on a national basis about the effects of the new Omicron variant, but higher case numbers brings the real risk of a proportionate number of people requiring medical help. The continuing national response to COVID of isolating when we test positive or are a close contact also means that the virus can significantly impact on our society, and the ability of essential services to function.
“Please, do everything you can to help stop the spread, through the wearing of face coverings in indoor public settings, hand washing, considering social interactions, regular testing, and making sure you are as full vaccinated as possible.”
Everyone eligible is encouraged to book their 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]
Booster clinics take place this Friday December 31 as follows:
Mountainhall Treatment Centre on Bankend Road in Dumfries, from 9 am to 3 pm.
Waverley Medical Centre in Stranraer, from 9 am to 1 pm.
