COVID-19 is continuing to spread at both a local and national level. COVID-19 is an illness that affects your lungs and airways. It is caused by a virus called coronavirus.
The outbreak is rapidly changing and is being monitored closely by governments of all levels.
Coronavirus can cause a cough, fever, or high temperature. Some people will have more serious symptoms, including pneumonia or difficulty breathing, which might require admission to hospital.
In order to avoid catching COVID-19 people are being urged to:
- Wash their hands regularly with soap and water or alcohol hand sanitiser.
- Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing with a disposable tissue and dispose of them in the nearest waste bin.
- Avoid direct contact with people that have a respiratory illness.
- Avoid direct hand contact with your eyes, nose and mouth.
It is important that everyone also continues to follow any advice from the Scottish and UK Governments.
Businesses are being urged to contact a new helpline launched by the Scottish Government to advise businesses. The helpline number is 0300 303 0660.
Locals are also being urged to follow advice from the local and national governments when they are helping others, in order to not exacerbate the spread of the virus.
Details of the virus from the NHS can be found here: https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19
Details of the Scottish Borders Council guidance can be found here: https://www.scotborders.gov.uk/coronavirusschools
Details of the UK Government guidance can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/coronavirus-covid-19-list-of-guidance
Details for those concerned about travel abroad can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
Details of health advice from the World Health Organisation can be found here: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public
Commenting John Lamont MP said: “This is clearly a very concerning time for everyone. It is therefore important that we all do our bit to help out by washing our hands and using a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
“My thoughts are with those in the Borders and elsewhere who are ill, and their families who will be helping them deal with it.
“I have been contacted by many businesses concerned about the next few weeks. I would urge anyone with business concerns to contact the Scottish Government helpline and monitor their own situation closely in case things change.
“It is extremely important that we all follow the advice of the government over the coming weeks. Even if people think it will not really affect them, we all must think of other people we come into contact with.
Rachael Hamilton MSP also commented “It cannot be stressed enough how important it is for everyone to follow NHS and Government advice. This is the only way that we will keep the effects of coronavirus as minimal as possible.
“There is understandably lots of commentary about this issue online, but I would urge everyone to follow only official advice.
“Now more than ever, we must be respectful to everyone and show restraint when we are tempted to stockpile certain items. The major supermarkets have indicated that there is plenty of food and household items to go around, but there will be supply issues if people keep overbuying.
“A special thanks must also go to our NHS staff having to work under even more pressure than usual.”
