Confirmed cases of coronavirus identified in the Scottish Borders

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.