No rise in Covid-19 cases in Borders overnight, leaving total at 326

One more case confirmed yesterday ended a week-long run with no further diagnoses.

That was the longest to have gone by without any new cases since the first diagnoses here were confirmed on Wednesday, March 11.

It surpassed a five-day run without new reports of coronavirus ended by an increase of one on Tuesday, May 26.

The 326 cases of Covid-19, as the disease is also known, confirmed here are among 15,603 nationwide, up 21 from 15,582 yesterday.

Across the UK, 284,868 people have tested positive for the disease, up 1,557 on the day before.

It’s now over three months since Scotland’s first case, in Tayside, was announced on Sunday, March 1, after spreading across the world from Wuhan in China.

The death toll claimed in the region by coronavirus stands at 38 as of Tuesday, up three on last week.

Figures issued by the National Records of Scotland yesterday, taking into account all fatalities attributed to coronavirus and not just among those previously tested and found to be infected, put the death toll for the region at 62 as of Sunday, however – 27 higher than the Scottish Government figure of 35 at that time.

It’s now over two months since the first five fatalities among Covid-19 patients here were announced on Monday, March 30.

That figure, going by Scottish Government calculations, rose to seven the day after, March 31; eight on Wednesday, April 1; 11 on Thursday, April 2; 14 on Friday, April 3; 16 on Sunday, April 5; 17 on Monday, April 6; 19 on Tuesday, April 7; 20 on Friday, April 10; 22 on Saturday, April 11; 23 on Sunday, April 12; 26 on Monday, April 13; 27 on Thursday, April 23; 28 on Friday, April 24; 29 on Monday, April 27; 30 on Wednesday, April 29; 31 on Thursday, April 30; 32 on Tuesday, May 12; 34 on Tuesday, May 19; 35 on Tuesday, May 26; and 38 on Tuesday, June 2.

They are among 2,415 coronavirus patients killed by the disease in Scotland so far, up six from 2,409 overnight, and 40,465 UK-wide, a rise of 204 on the day before.

Altogether, 16 Scots are in intensive care receiving treatment for coronavirus, along with another four suspected to be infected but awaiting test results.

More than 124,500 tests for the illness have been carried out in Scotland so far, with 108,940 coming back negative.

Urging people to continue to comply with lockdown rules at yesterday’s daily Scottish Government Covid-19 briefing, Police Scotland chief constable Iain Livingstone said: “I know the fatigue and strain many are feeling as the stay-at-home period continues, albeit with some restrictions lifted, are felt in families and households across the country.

“The desire for easement to all enjoy greater freedoms, is understandable.

“The small changes made last week following 10 weeks of strict lockdown rules did coincide with particularly good weather and, in my judgement, perhaps did lead to some people feeling and acting a bit demob happy.

“Gatherings at parks, beaches and beauty spots were concerning, leading policing to make a little over 2,000 separate dispersals over the 72-hour weekend period.

“At the same time, we saw non-coronavirus-related crime returning to levels more in line with business as usual, and, in fact, we made over 1,000 arrests, none of them in relation to coronavirus regulations, placing acute demand on policing.

“We continued to have high levels of engagement with people last weekend to offer advice and, in most cases, that was met with support and co-operation.

“The majority of people continue to do the right thing because it is the best way to stop the virus spreading and, ultimately, to contribute to preventing people dying.

“I don’t think the weather it to be quite as good this weekend, but I would ask that people do not travel to beauty spots and, crucially, do not hold house parties or gatherings indoors.

“The police service will take very robust action in that regard because it is vital to control the spread of the virus.

“Don’t have house parties if the rain comes on. Don’t have your friends round.

“It is essential that everyone sticks with it, sticks to the rules. Do the right thing to prevent the virus spreading.

“If we don’t, more of what is currently guidance may be brought into legislation. If that is the case, Police Scotland will continue to act in a fair and proportionate manner.

“Our approach won’t change. We will always work with the people to do the right thing.

We will rely on consent and co-operation and act with courtesy, but we will take enforcement measures when necessary.

“I greatly value the trust of our fellow citizens and thank you for your forbearance during these difficult days.”