NHS Borders bosses urge caution as Covid-19 cases take a slight rise

A spokesperson for the local health authority told us: “In the seven days to February 23 there were 45 confirmed cases of Covid recorded in the Borders – 14 more than the previous week – and this shows that even with the ongoing roll out of the vaccination programme that we mustn’t be complacent about the spread of Covid-19 in the community.

“One dedicated Covid ward remains open in the Borders General Hospital and there are currently 13 patients with either confirmed or presumed Covid-19 being treated in our hospitals across the region.”

However, in the latest 24-hour count, there were only two new cases reported in the region.

The First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon set out the country’s updated strategic framework on tackling Covid-19 this week, and described a possible routemap out of lockdown.

It referenced the next phase of school return, which will happen no sooner than March 15, and will start with the rest of the primary school years, P4 to P7 – with P1 to P3 having alredy started back on Monday – and also getting more senior phase secondary pupils back in the classroom for at least part of their learning.

At the same time the aim is to increase the limit on outdoor mixing between households to four people from a maximum of two households – compared to two people from two households just now.

It’s also hoped more stores and businesses will be able to reopen soon, with a return tot he tier system of lockdown measures from April 26, along with other non-essential retail, hospitality and services like gyms and hairdressers.

There are also plans to allow care home visiting again from early March, with indoor visiting of up to two visits per resident per week and up to two designated visitors, with one person being allowed to visit at a time.

Chief executive of NHS Borders, Ralph Roberts said: “The Scottish Government’s Strategic Framework begins to show how we might be able to reduce the lockdown measures currently in place.

"However, while we all yearn for a return to normality, in order to continue to protect each other and our local health and care services it is important the people of the Borders remain patient and stick with the rules.

"For now, we must continue to only leave home for essential purposes such as exercise and food shopping and not meet people from other households indoors. Please follow the FACTS when you are out and about – even if you have received your Covid vaccination.

“Almost 37,000 people in the Borders have now received their first dose of the vaccination which is excellent news."We are continuing to roll out vaccinations as quickly as vaccine supply allows and if you are offered an appointment I would encourage you to take this to protect yourself and your family, and to play your part in reaching the end of restrictions and a return to the life that we are all so looking forward to.”