The First Minister today confirmed the move for the DG1, DG2, DG11, DG12, DG13, DG14 and DG16, effective today.
Although it is guidance rather than legislation, Nicola Sturgeon urged residents in Annan, Gretna, Langholm, Lockerbie, Canonbie and Dumfries to be alert and to consider the area high risk over the next few days.
She also called on people not to travel to the pubs in Carlisle when they reopen tomorrow.
And she revealed that widespread testing is now taking place at two workplaces in Annan after ten people tested positive in the town and in Gretna this week.
Offering further information, NHS Dumfries and Galloway interim director of public health Valerie White said: “All confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the Annan and Gretna areas are self-isolating, and our Test and Protect team is working to identify all of their contacts so as to be able to test for the virus and limit further spread.
“As this is taking place, the Scottish Government has announced today that an easing of a five-mile travel limit for leisure and recreation taking effect elsewhere in Scotland will not apply to seven Dumfries and Galloway postcodes. Please note that this restriction applies to leisure and recreation only – not to travelling for work, or to visit family members.
“This move is intended to prevent spread of the coronavirus. It is introduced at a time when further lockdown easing is coming into effect in England, and we would note that this means that no one should be travelling to Carlisle for leisure or recreation this weekend.”
Ms White also noted that care home visiting arrangements, due to take effort tomorrow, have also been postponed in the affected postcode areas.
