Coronavirus kills five in Borders

Five people being treated for the disease, also known as Covid-19, at the Borders General Hospital at Melrose have died, and another 39 either suspected or confirmed to have been infected are being looked afer there at present.

Some 63 cases of coronavirus have been diagnosed in the region so far, and a further 1,503 have been reported elsewhere in Scotland.

The five deaths claimed by the disease in the Borders are among 47 nationwide and 1,408 across the UK.

Nicky Berry, director of nursing, midwifery and acute services for NHS Borders, said: “We are now treating increasing numbers of people with Covid-19 and sadly five people have already died.

“Over the weekend, we opened our third dedicated Covid-19 ward in the Borders General Hospital and continue to implement our plan, rearranging wards and departments within the hospital in order to increase the number of beds we have available to treat people.

“This includes a significant increase in our intensive treatment unit capacity.”

No further details of the five patients killed by coronavirus have been given out, and it it is not known if any of them had other health issues.

That stark warning of the danger posed by the disease has prompted health and council chiefs to step up their calls to Borderers to comply with the lockdown announced just over a week ago by UK Government prime minister Boris Johnson and to heed the other directives issued in the hope of keeping the outbreak under control.

“We know that it is an anxious time for everyone, and that being told to stay at home can cause frustration and boredom,” said Ms Berry.

“However, for everyone who is still going to work, please play your part and stay at home.

“The number of people infected with Covid-19 is going to continue to rise and put a strain on our services and our dedicated staff who are delivering the much needed care, so please protect yourself and others.

“Stay at home; only go outside for essential food, health and work reasons; stay 6ft away from other people and wash your hands regularly.”

Scottish Borders Council chief executive Tracey Logan added: “Everyone must play their part during this challenging time.

“Unfortunately, we are hearing reports of some residents ignoring this advice and putting lives at risk, including their own.

“The social distancing guidance is for everyone, and we should all be avoiding any contact with people outside our immediate family in order to reduce the spread of coronavirus.

“Please only go to the shop for essential food, health or work reasons. If you go to the shops, get what you need in one go and do not make several visits.

“Follow the guidance around keeping 2 metres away from people and wash your hands regularly.

“Remember, people who are at increased risk of severe illness from coronavirus should strictly follow social distancing measures.

“This group includes people who are aged 70 or older regardless of medical conditions, under 70 with an underlying health condition and pregnant women.

“Anyone who requires any help or support such as access to food, shopping and collection of prescriptions should call 0300 100 1800.

“We have multi-agency teams working with local resilience groups through our recently-established community assistance hubs that can provide this essential support.”

For further details, visit www.scotborders.gov.uk/coronavirus and www.nhsinform.scot