Covid outbreak reported at Borders General Hospital as cases rise in Jedburgh and Hawick

A new Covid-19 outbreak has been reported at the Borders General Hospital, involving a “small number” of cases.

The Borders General Hospital near Melrose.

These cases are also associated with home care services in the Greenlaw area, NHS Borders confirmed.

Five new cases have also emerged as part of an existing outbreak in Jedburgh, bringing the total number to 26.

The Jedburgh outbreak, which was announced on October 26 with 17 cases, has been linked to a care provider. Not all those affected live in Jedburgh, NHS Borders said.

Another positive case has also been recorded at Deanfield Care Home in Hawick, where there are now seven residents and one member of staff confirmed to have the virus.

Visiting was suspended at the care home, which caters for about 20 residents, after the outbreak was announced yesterday.

NHS Borders Director of Public Health Dr Tim Paterson said: “These outbreaks demonstrate that in common with all mainland Health Board areas across Scotland, we continue to see an increase in the number of Covid-19 cases in the Borders on a daily basis.

“If you or someone you live with is self-isolating you should follow the guidance on the NHS Inform website carefully. Self-isolation means you should remain at home and shouldn’t go to work, school, public areas or use public transport. You shouldn’t go out to buy food or other essentials. You must stay at home and follow the physical distancing and hygiene advice for coronavirus."

Jen Holland, Chief Operating Officer of SB Cares, said: “We continue to support all our clients across the Scottish Borders and communicate regularly with affected clients and their families.

“SB Cares provides care to hundreds of people every single day through both our home care and residential care services. While we have implemented all infection control measures, over and above national guidance, there is always a risk of this highly contagious virus spreading, especially where any of our staff or clients are asymptomatic.

“I would like to thank all our clients, their families and of course our staff for their ongoing co-operation and support at such a challenging time for health and social care services, not just here in the Scottish Borders but across the country.”

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