NHS Dumfries and Galloway say people gathering for Euro 2020 partly to blame for coronavirus increase

People getting together to watch Euro 2020 football action has been partly blamed for an increase in coronavirus cases in the region.

There were 67 new cases in the seven days up to Sunday – 10 more than the previous weeks.

And the number of close contacts asked to self-isolate has also risen from 410 to 446.

Consultant in public health Dr Andrew Rideout said: “Our new local data shows that a significant number of people who were identified as a close contact of someone with Covid-19 went on to develop the coronavirus themselves.

“And in terms of numbers, the majority of new cases are developing through encounters outwith households or the workplace.

“A significant number of positive cases resulted through non-household and non-workplace encounters.

“We’re currently dealing with a number of cases which result from interaction during the Euros, when a swell of excitement and camaraderie might have made it more difficult to ensure we were strictly adhering to the rules.

“However, it’s so important that we do keep following the rules at all times in order to help limit the spread and the resulting impact on our communities.”

He added: “As cases grow within the community, we’re starting to see people across a variety of ages being admitted to hospital with Covid-19.

“The response to increased cases puts real pressures on the ability for services to operate, and for businesses to function.”

The more transmissible Delta variant is also driving the latest increase.

And Dr Rideout urged everyone to continue following social distancing rules, keep washing their hands and also to carry on wearing face coverings.

Another way to stop the spread is to get tested for Covid-19, with twice weekly testing available to everyone in Scotland for free – regardless of whether or not they have symptoms.

Meanwhile, good progress continues to be made with the region’s vaccination programme.

Nearly 90 per cent of adults have received at least one dose and nearly 70 per cent have had both jabs.

Anyone aged over 30 who has still to receive their first vaccine is encouraged to phone the local helpline on 01387 403090 or email dg.covidenquries@nhs.scot.

Help arranging transport to appointments is also available through the helpline.