Increase in Dumfries and Galloway Covid-19 cases

The number of Covid-19 cases in Dumfries and Galloway has risen from less than five to 23, according to new statistics.

These figures cover the the seven days up to April 25 2021. 

In the same period, the number of new close contacts increased from 17 in the previous week to stand at 244. 

The district's health and social care partnership is managing one outbreak of cases localised in Upper Nithsdale. Testing there is continuing until the end of the week. 

This news comes as the partnership also began its vaccination programme for people in their 40s.

Appointments are going out over the next three weeks, with jabs taking place over a three-week period. 

Dr Nigel Calvert, the immunisation co-ordinator for NHS Dumfries and Galloway, said:

He added:

So far, 17,375 first dose vaccinations have been delivered in the region to people aged under 50, who meet government eligibility.

As of 26 April 2021, a total of 89,012 first dose vaccinations had been delivered, representing 72.1 per cent of the adult population of Dumfries and Galloway. There had also been 58,732 second doses, which means that 66 per cent of everyone who has been vaccinated to date had received both jabs.