NHS Borders has issued a warning about the new strain of coronavirus.

In a press statement at 11.54am today (Monday, December 21), the region’s health board said “everyone must be aware” that it is “possible” the new strain of the virus is in the Borders.

A spokesperson for NHS Borders said “further detailed testing is required to confirm whether or not there have been cases of the new variant of coronavirus in the Scottish Borders”.

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Providing an update on how the region is dealing with the virus, NHS Borders’ chief executive Ralph Roberts said: “I welcome the announcement of further controls on the spread of COVID-19.

“We are continuing to see an increase in cases and this brings with it a very real risk of higher levels of serious illness and tragically potentially more deaths.

“While I fully understand the disappointment many of us will feel having our Christmas plans disrupted, I would urge everyone to seriously consider how they can reduce their risk of catching COVID-19 in the run up to Christmas and on Christmas Day itself.

“NHS Borders is asking people to fully comply with the new restrictions within Level 4 that will be in place from one minute past midnight on Boxing Day.

"This will be essential if we are to continue to protect our loved ones and also if we are to ensure that the health service is not overwhelmed.

“As we have previously said, we have already had to postpone routine operations again and the quicker we can reduce the spread of COVID-19 then the sooner we can get back to providing a more normal service.

“In the meantime, NHS Borders continues to work extremely hard to progress the COVID-19 vaccination programme, having already made significant progress on the vaccination of health and social care staff and started providing the vaccine to care home residents in recent days.

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“If further vaccines become available in the new year then we will be able to progress even quicker, though it is likely to take between three and six months for the full vaccine programme to be completed.

“With the vaccine on its way it is more important than ever that we minimise the risks of spreading COVID-19 so that we minimise the harm caused until such time as the vaccine programme is complete.

“Finally, I would just like to thank all Borderers for your continued co-operation and patience. By working together we can make a difference and we can protect each other.”

Shona Haslam, leader of Scottish Borders Council, added: “It is exceptionally important that everyone plays their part to minimise the spread of this highly infectious virus.

“The need to adhere to all restrictions, including the travel restrictions in place, is more important than ever as the situation in the Borders worsens still and I welcome the chief constable’s announcement that additional Police Scotland resources will be put in place as part of the continued effort of all partners to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“In light of the Scottish Government’s decision to implement Level 4 restrictions from Boxing Day, the council has started to develop its plans to ensure that we can support all residents in need during what will be another challenging period.

“Our Community Assistance Hubs will continue to operate and co-ordinate support within communities and we will once again be asking our fantastic Resilient Community groups and other support organisations to help out.

“Plans for how we will support our young people are also well underway, and we will provide more information to our communities over the coming days.”