Covid-19 on the rise again

However, further restrictions on travel were also announced by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon at Holyrood on Tuesday.

In her statement, she said: “I can confirm that Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, the Borders, Dumfries & Galloway, and Argyll & Bute will all remain at level 2.

“We hope that these areas, Argyll & Bute in particular, will be able to move to level 1 soon.”

However, she warned against any “easing up” in precautions in level one and two areas.

There has been a rise in case numbers with 82 additional confirmed cases of the virus over the past week, compared with increases of 66 and 63 cases recorded in the previous two weeks.

However, no new deaths due to Covid-19 have been reported in the past week in the Borders.

And with other areas of Scotland also showing a marked increase of cases, travel to council areas in level three or four, as well as over the border into England, has been banned, except for reasons such as work, school and essential shopping.

Those who breach the travel ban could be issued with a fixed penalty notice for £60, reduced to £30 if paid within a month. Subsequent breaches will see the fine rise to a maximum of £960. In serious cases, the person could be prosecuted and subject to a court imposed fine.

Ms Sturgeon said police would only enforce the restriction “as a last resort” where there was a “clear and flagrant breach”.

Director of public health at NHS Borders, Dr Tim Patterson, warned this week: “Our rate of confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the Borders continues to rise which remains a cause for concern.

“There is a risk that if the growth continues at this rate we will reach the high levels of infection that the central belt has seen. This, in turn, will impact on the delivery of health and care services.”

“Whilst we are prepared for this, it is really important that everyone plays their part and follows all of the guidelines and restrictions that are in place. This gives us the best chance that we have to slow the spread, minimise any further impact on our daily lives and protect the most vulnerable members of our community. If people put their own twist on the rules, they won’t work.

“If you are showing any symptoms of Covid-19 you must self-isolate and book a test immediately. Whilst you wait for your test results the people you live with must also self-isolate.

“Wear a face covering, avoid crowded places, clean your hands regularly and maintain a two metre distance from others.”