CASES of COVID-19 remain high in Dumfries and Galloway, with 1889 new positives recorded in the week ending Sunday March 27.
This was down slightly from 2029 the week before, but still means that individuals, businesses and services are still being significantly impacted by cases right across the region.
Director of Public Health Valerie White said: “The positive we can take from the situation is that cases haven’t continued to increase, and we’d continue to encourage people to take actions that can help prevent spread.
“This includes regular hand washing, wearing face coverings in indoor public areas, testing, vaccination, and immediately self-isolating if experiencing any symptoms of COVID.
“It’s possibly too early to definitively say that this latest wave of cases fuelled by the BA.2 Omicron sub-variant has peaked, but there’s reason for hope if we can all keep following the guidance as much as possible.”
The COVID vaccination programme is currently focused on providing further boosters for people aged 75 and over, residents of older adult care facilities and people aged 12 plus who are immune-suppressed, as well as first doses now being provided to young people aged 5 to 11.
All of these vaccinations are taking place by scheduled appointment, with letters going out at the point where people in these groups become eligible.
Anyone out with these groups who is seeking to arrange a vaccination at this time is asked to contact the local helpline number, calling 01387 403090 between 9 am and 5 pm, Monday to Friday. Alternatively, email [email protected]
Ms White said: “Being fully vaccinated provides you with the highest level of defence against what can still be a nasty virus.”
In the week ending Sunday March 27 a total of 936 close contacts of cases were identified, down from 1245 the previous week.
