Virus under control

Scottish Borders records no deaths in the first five days of May

DEATHS from COVID-19 in Dumfries and Galloway rose to 38 as at 12pm yesterday but in the Scottish Borders there were no deaths during the first five days of May and the figure remains at 31.

NHS Dumfries & Galloway reported yesterday that the region had recorded 254 positive cases up to 12pm yesterday. Of the 38 deaths, 30 had been in a hospital.

The total number of patients with the virus, who had recovered, was 75. Fewer than five patients were in intensive care on Monday night.

In the Borders there have been 284 positive cases. There were 26 patients in hospital at midnight on Monday. Of these, fewer than five were in intensive care.

No new cases had been reported in the two days up to Tuesday.

NHS Dumfries & Galloway has published a full list of people eligible for COVID-19 testing at mobile centres.
Testing for health, social care and council staff will continue to be delivered by the NHS at its testing sites in Dumfries and Stranraer.

However, other key workers, including food chain, transport, delivery, essential manufacturing and others are listed at www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested/pages/who-can-be-tested/.

Those older than 65 years and household members of these groups can be tested at one of the mobile units being staffed by the Army in the region.

The locations of the mobile testing unit will be advertised via social media, the press and other media outlets.

A spokesperson for the Health and Social Care Partnership said: “This extra resource linked to the UK-wide testing programme now enables testing for people who are ineligible for other testing programmes. “The plan for a mobile testing team to test in communities is being developed and will be communicated to the public as soon as it is finalised.” It is believed one of the testing sites may be in Eskdalemuir.

Anyone, who falls into one of the categories and has symptoms of COVID-19, can book an appointment on the Scottish government website https://self-referral.test-for-coronavirus.service.gov.uk/.
Samples are tested in Glasgow so results will take a few days. NHS Dumfries & Galloway staff are unable to access test results before someone has received a result so do not phone asking for results.

The following who are self-isolating because they are symptomatic or have household members who are symptomatic:
All symptomatic key workers and symptomatic members of their household aged over five.
All symptomatic other workers who cannot work from home and symptomatic members of their household aged over five.
All symptomatic over 65s and symptomatic members of their household aged over five.

The drive through testing centres are for people only within a 90-minute drive of the location. People must maintain isolation measures during this commute.

NHS Scotland staff, who are the highest priority, should continue to access testing through the NHS.

The only exceptions are health and social care workers who are self-employed such as personal care assistants.

These workers should access testing through the UK testing programme self-referral portal route.

The second tier of priority key workers includes those in critical national infrastructure fundamental for safety and security and lifeline services.
For the full list visit the website.