Dumfries and Galloway experiences first new coronavirus cases for a fortnight

The region has seen its first new coronavirus cases for a fortnight.

Six people have tested positive for Covid-19 in the past week, taking the total number of cases since the pandemic began to 311.

Thursday, August 20 saw the first new case in the region since August 6 with a further five people having tested positive since then.

Nationally, there have been 20,056 cases and yesterday saw the first deaths announced in First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s daily update since July 16. A total of 2,494 people have now died during the pandemic.

NHS Dumfries and Galloway’s most recent weekly update shows no one in the region has succumbed to the virus since mid May with the region’s death toll having remained at 44 since then.

The health board has also moved to allay fears that there has been a coronavirus outbreak in Castle Douglas.

There had been concerns circulating of a new case coinciding with the reopening of schools.

However, an NHS Dumfries and Galloway spokesman said: “We have management plans in place for cases of Covid-19 and will take appropriate actions in any instance where they are required.

“We would advise anyone who experiences any symptoms of Covid-19 to self-isolate and arrange to be tested.”