First two coronavirus cases confirmed in the Borders

The first two positive coronavirus cases were confirmed in the Borders this week, which an NHS Borders chief admitted was “inevitable”.
Borderers have been warned not to attend the Borders General Hospital or their GP to request a test for COVID-19. Instead, they should call 111 and self-isolate in their own home, avoiding contact with other people.Borderers have been warned not to attend the Borders General Hospital or their GP to request a test for COVID-19. Instead, they should call 111 and self-isolate in their own home, avoiding contact with other people.
Borderers have been warned not to attend the Borders General Hospital or their GP to request a test for COVID-19. Instead, they should call 111 and self-isolate in their own home, avoiding contact with other people.

The persons affected are well and have been self isolating since returning from one of the listed risk areas.

The news comes in a week where cases in the UK has risen to 382.

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NHS Borders Medical Director Dr Cliff Sharp said: “Given the contagious nature of this coronavirus, confirmed cases in the Borders were inevitable.”

He has asked Borderers to play their park in helping to minimise the risk of further spread by following good hygiene protocols, as follows:

○ maintain good hand hygiene; wash hands with soap and water or alcohol hand sanitiser before eating and drinking, and after coughing, sneezing and going to the toilet

○ avoid direct hand contact with your eyes, nose and mouth

○ avoid direct contact with people who have a respiratory illness and avoid using their personal items such as their mobile phone

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○ cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing with disposable tissues and dispose of them in the nearest waste bin after use.

Dr Sharp also said anyone who may be worried they had contracted coronavirus should not attend the Borders General Hospital or even their GP to request a test.

He said: “Testing is by appointment only.

“If you are worried you may have coronavirus call 111, stay indoors and avoid close contact with other people.”

Anyone who has been to one of the risk areas in the past two weeks and who feel unwell with something other than a cough, fever or shortness of breath are also asked not to attend a healthcare setting without taking advice first.

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For example, if you need to call 999 in a life-threatening situation, but have just travelled back from Northern Italy or other risk area, you should advise the 999 call handler of your travel history so that appropriate measures can be taken to protect the healthcare staff who will be caring for you from the potential risk of infection.

People are being asked to keep up-to-date with the latest details on symptoms and information for travellers on the NHS Inform website at nhsinform.scot

A free helpline has also been set up for those who do not have symptoms but are looking for general health advice, on 0800 028 2816.