THIRTEEN tenants and 11 members of staff at an extra care housing development in Peebles have tested positive for COVID-19. 

The diagnoses have come at Dovecot Court.

As a precaution, visiting has been suspended.

Jen Holland, chief operating officer of SB Cares, said: “We have robust contingency plans in place to ensure that our ongoing service provision to clients in Dovecot Court is maintained throughout this ongoing incident and that we can continue to safely support all tenants.

“We continue to communicate regularly with tenants and families and would like to thank them for their ongoing support and co-operation.

“There is no impact on any other SB Cares services in the Tweeddale area.”

Chief executive of Eildon Housing, Nile Istephan, added: “Eildon Housing is working extremely closely with the various partners to respond to this ongoing incident and ensure that all our tenants at Dovecot Court are provided with any support that is required at this challenging time.”

Health bosses say they are working with residents and their families to offer support.

Tim Patterson, Director of Public Health, said: “Whilst the level of COVID-19 infections in the Borders remains low compared to other areas, it is still essential that everyone remains vigilant for the symptoms of COVID-19 and follows the Scottish Government guidance and public health advice available at NHS Inform.

“If you develop any symptoms of COVID-19, which 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. 

“Whilst you wait for your test all of your household members must self-isolate.
"This is really important to prevent potential spread of this highly contagious virus.”