CORONAVIRUS statistics for the Borders include test results from people who live outside the region, health bosses have revealed.

A mobile testing unit (MTU) has been operating from the Netherdale car park in Galashiels.

An NHS Borders statement, issued on Tuesday (September 22), reads: "In some instances, people are sent to MTUs outwith their local authority area to get tested, and currently the data recorded against the Borders includes a number of positive tests that have been carried out on people who do not live in the Borders.

"This is a national issue and is being looked at by the national team."

Every day, the Scottish Government publishes official statistics on its website, broken down by health board.

'Confidentiality is the first priority'

NHS Borders also shared more information about its reason for withholding specific details about new cases.

The spokesperson said: "There may be times when it is in the interest of public health to communicate details about a specific cluster or outbreak of cases.

"When this is necessary the information is given in order to inform communities on a ‘need to know’ basis by providing the basic information necessary to raise awareness and help prevent the spread of the virus within specific localities.

"However where cases are amongst individuals or small groups with an obvious link, and when our Test and Protect team have been able to identify all known close contacts, no further details will be given.

"Maintaining the confidentiality of persons impacted by COVID-19 is always the first priority of NHS Borders."