NHS Borders has announced a ‘significant’ drop in the number of weekly positive coronavirus cases.

Over the past week, the region has recorded 38 positive cases.

The figure is described by the health board as “significantly lower” than the previous week-on-week increase of 68.

The news comes as First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed the Borders will remain in Level 2 of the Scottish Government’s five-level system.

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NHS Borders' public health director Tim Patterson said: “It is encouraging to see the drop in confirmed cases over the past week; although the number of people in the BGH with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 shows just how serious this virus can be.

“To help maintain this downward trend in cases, it remains really important that everyone plays their part and follows all of the guidelines and restrictions that are in place.

“This gives us the best chance that we have to slow the spread, minimise any further impact on our daily lives and protect the most vulnerable members of our community.

“If people put their own twist on the rules, they won’t work and we risk moving into a higher tier which we all want to avoid.

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“If you are showing any symptoms of COVID-19 you must self-isolate and book a test immediately.

"Whilst you wait for your test results the people you live with must also self-isolate.

“When you do go out and about remember to wear a face covering, avoid crowded places, clean your hands regularly and maintain a two-metre distance from others.”

There are currently 12 people in the Borders General Hospital with either confirmed or expected cases of the virus, said an NHS Borders spokesperson.

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