Chief executive Jeff Ace backed the Scottish Government’s continued lockdown arrangements and warned there is still a ‘long way to go’.
He said any ‘minor easing’ of restrictions will only be introduced when supported by evidence of reduced community transmission of Covid-19 and added: “It is worth reiterating that we remain in a very precarious situation. We are faced with a highly infectious virus that will cause serious illness in a significant proportion of those infected for which we have very limited treatments.
“Covid-19 has a high mortality rate, particularly among older adults or those with co-morbidities. At the moment, it is estimated that only a very small percentage of the population has been exposed to the virus and that the vast majority of us have no acquired immunity.”
He called on residents to stay at home where possible, maintain effective social distancing when at work, shopping or exercising, and to practise good hand hygiene.
Mr Ace added: “If we do this, we will save lives; lives of our colleagues, friends, neighbours and families.
“A huge thanks for everyone’s efforts so far. Everyone in Dumfries and Galloway can feel proud of how we have responded, and continue to respond, to the challenges of Covid-19. There is, however, a long way to go yet.”
