NHS Borders has announced a coronavirus outbreak linked to the Borders General Hospital (BGH).

In a press statement issued today (Tuesday, November 3), a health board spokesperson said a small number of cases are associated with the BGH and "home care services in the Greenlaw area".

Meanwhile, a further five cases have been confirmed in Jedburgh, taking that outbreak to 26.

And another resident at Hawick's Deanfield care home has also been diagnosed with the virus – taking the total number of positive tests there to eight.

NHS Borders' director of public health Dr Tim Patterson 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.

"Should you need support while self-isolating please visit www.scotborders.gov.uk/CAHs or call 0300 100 1800.

"The good hygiene advice for coronavirus should always apply:

  • wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds regularly, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser if your hands aren’t visibly dirty;
  • catch your coughs or sneezes in a disposable tissue and put it in the bin, or catch them in the crook of your elbow (NOT your hand) if you can’t reach a tissue, and then wash your hands; and
  • avoid touching your face, and especially your mouth, nose or eyes.”

Yesterday, NHS Borders announced that Deanfield had seen six residents test positive, as well as one staff member.

Following the additional case, bosses at SB Cares, which runs the care home, also issued a statement.

Chief operating officer Jen Holland 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.”