The coronavirus outbreak in the Jedburgh area has grown to 21 cases.

NHS Borders and Scottish Borders Council issued an update today (Thursday, October 29) at 6.30pm.

Four new cases have been confirmed since the outbreak was first announced on Monday, when 17 cases were declared.

The outbreak is linked to “family groups and home care services provided by SB Cares", according to the NHS and the council.

SB Cares’ chief operating officer, Jen Holland, said: “We continue to support all our home care clients across the Scottish Borders safely and effectively and have implemented a range of measures, including additional precautions in line with national options such as asking if clients will wear a face covering during visits.

“These are over and above the very stringent infection control measures already in place and are simply there to further protect our staff and clients from transmission of COVID-19.

“We continue to communicate regularly with clients and their families and appreciate that any outbreak of COVID-19 within our communities may cause them concern.

“We are very happy to discuss any concerns directly with clients and/or their families around the ongoing provision of care services.”

NHS Borders’ director of public health, Tim Patterson, said: “I know that we keep repeating the same advice but that is because it is the commitment of everyone to follow the most up-to-date guidance that gives us the best chance of limiting the spread of this virus.

“Wear a face covering, avoid crowded places, clean hands and surfaces regularly, maintain physical distancing and take immediate action and book a test if you experience any symptoms of COVID-19.

“The symptoms are a new continuous cough, a fever/high temperature (37.8C or greater) and/or a loss of, or change in, sense of smell or taste you should self-isolate immediately and visit NHS Inform or phone 0800 028 2816 to book a test.

“A new continuous cough is defined as if you are coughing a lot for more than one hour, or you have been coughing three or more times in 24 hours.

“If you normally have a cough, it may be worse than usual.”