Visiting ban lifted as three more cases are identified in Hawick

To date, NHS Borders Test and Protect team have been in contact with 198 people identified as ‘close contacts’ connected to this outbreak, who have been given appropriate advice and have been asked to self-isolate.

Despite the continuing localised spike, designated visitors of patients currently being cared for in Hawick Community Hospital have been contacted and advised that they can again visit their loved ones, following a review by the joint Care Home Oversight Group, on the advice of the joint NHS Borders and Scottish Borders Council incident management team.

However, it is up to individual care home operators as to whether or not they choose to allow visiting again. Visits to SB Cares’ Deanfield facility have been reinstated and the families of residents advised.

Reminding people of the importance of following the government advice at all times, associate director of public health, Dr Keith Allan, said: “Although the risk of catching Covid-19 in Hawick and across the Borders remains very low, the outbreak in Hawick is a reminder of just how contagious the virus is.

“We know that people are keen to resume some sort of a ‘normal life’, however in doing so please make sure that you adhere to the relevant guidance to keep you and others safe.

“For example, if you go out to a cafe, pub or restaurant remember you must physically distance from everyone outside your own household.

“The symptoms of Covid-19 are a fever, new persistent cough or loss of taste or smell.

“If you experience one of more of these you must self-isolate immediately and book a test for Covid-19, and the people you live with must also self-isolate until you get your test result.”

The mobile Testing Unit will be in Galashiels at the Netherdale Car Park tomorrow and Wednesday between 10am-1pm and in Hawick Teviotdale Leisure Centre car park between 3pm-5pm.

On Thursday, Friday and Saturday this week (September 10-12) the unit will be in Galashiels from 10am-5pm.

As the MTU can only take a limited number of people each day it remains essential that only people with COVID-19 symptoms book a test.

Tests must be booked in advance. You can arrange your test by visiting www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or calling 0800 028 2816.

Whilst you wait for your test all of your household members should self-isolate.