The first confirmed cases of coronavirus have been identified in the Scottish Borders.
The two people affected are well and have been self-isolating since returning from one of the listed risk areas.
Dr Cliff Sharp, Medical Director of NHS Borders, said: “Given the contagious nature of this coronavirus, confirmed cases in the Borders were inevitable.
“Please do not attend the Borders General Hospital or any healthcare setting and request a test for coronavirus. Testing is by appointment only.
“If you are worried you may have coronavirus call 111, stay indoors and avoid close contact with other people.”
Anyone who has been to one of the risk areas in the past two weeks and who feel unwell with something other than a cough, fever or shortness of breath are also asked not to attend a healthcare setting without taking advice first.
For example, if you need to call 999 in a life-threatening situation, but have just travelled back from Northern Italy or other risk area, you should advise the 999 call handler of your travel history so that appropriate measures can be taken to protect the healthcare staff who will be caring for you from the potential risk of infection.
People are being asked to keep up-to-date with the latest details on symptoms and information for travellers on the NHS Inform website here.
A free helpline has also been set up for those who do not have symptoms but are looking for general health advice, on 0800 028 2816.
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
