Local restrictions lifted in Dumfries and Galloway

Test and Protect effective in containing virus.

Local restrictions in Dumfries and Galloway have been lifted following a cluster of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases last week in the Annan and Gretna areas.

The outbreak is now contained so travel is no longer restricted to five miles and care home visiting is now permitted.

The Test and Protect system was used to identify contacts of the original positive cases and contain the virus.

The cluster now involves 12 positive cases and 23 contacts who are isolating. There have been around 1,500 tests done in the last week and there are no new positives. The Incident Management team assess there is no continued community transmission from this outbreak.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said:

“I am pleased to confirm that the local restrictions have been lifted in Dumfries and Galloway and I would like to express my thanks to the community for their forbearance and cooperation.

“We are confident the outbreak has been contained as a result of residents complying with the restrictions and following our Test and Protect advice to self-isolate if they were a contact of a positive case.

“I would also like to thank partners for their efforts in getting us to this position.”

National Clinical Director Jason Leitch said:

“I would like to thank everyone in Dumfries and Galloway who stuck with the restrictions a bit longer than the rest of the country to stop the spread of the virus, particularly those directly involved.

“We cannot control outbreaks without cooperation and all of those involved have been very helpful. They have stopped this cluster becoming much more widespread and I am grateful to them.

“Our Test and Protect system has proved invaluable to help us contain this outbreak and is vital as we move through the phases of our exit strategy. We will also be able to learn from this incident and plan for any future clusters.

“It is important to remember that it is not an individual’s fault if they contract this illness and if you do develop any symptoms you should stay at home and request a test as soon as possible.”

Dumfries and Galloway Council Leader Elaine Murray said:

“I am pleased that the Scottish Government have been able to make the decision to lift the localised restrictions in parts of Dumfries and Galloway.

“I want to thank the communities within the affected postcode areas of Dumfries and Galloway who continued to follow all government guidelines for a few days more than the rest of Scotland. Through the continued support and compliance of our communities we have been able to stop the spread of the virus and I hope the communities affected can now enjoy the easing of the restrictions whilst remaining vigilant.”

Background

Test and Protect was rolled out across Scotland on 28 May 2020.

People with any of the following symptoms should book a test at nhsinform.scot/test-and-protect or call 0800 028 2816 if they are unable to access the online service:

• a high temperature or fever
• a new continuous cough
• a loss of, or change in sense of smell or taste