New strain of Covid behind 'rapid increase' in Wigtownshire cases
A new, highly transmittable variant of COVID-19 is believed to be behind a big increase in cases in the Wigtownshire areas of Dumfries and Galloway.
64 cases have been confirmed but there are fears many more have not yet been identified. 12 staff and patients at Galloway Community Hospital have tested positive.
Public health officials revealed on Christmas Eve that the B.1.1.Y strain was associated with an outbreak in Wigtownshire, with a further case identified in the lower Annandale area.
B.1.1.7 is up 70% more transmittable and is thought to be behind a significant rise in cases in south-east England and is thought to be behind a rise in cases across the whole of the U.K.
Along with the rest of mainland Scotland, Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders is now at Level 4 in the Scottish government's coronavirus protection framework.
Interim Director of Public Health Valerie White said: “The region has suffered tragedies as a result of COVID-19, but has not been as badly affected as some other areas.
“However, if this new B.1.1.7 variant is quickly establishing a foothold then it has the potential to significantly alter the outlook for our region.
“It’s now more important than ever that everyone follows the national directions, including the FACTS guidance around wearing face coverings, hand hygiene, physical distancing and social interaction, and crucially around immediately self-isolating and arranging for a COVID test if we experience symptoms of the coronavirus, however mild.”