Announcing the deaths on Thursday, NHS Dumfries and Galloway chief executive Jeff Ace said: “At the start of this week NHS Dumfries and Galloway very regrettably confirmed the first deaths within the region resulting from the coronavirus COVID-19. Due to the small number of deaths, and the resulting potential for those people and their families to be identified, we did not disclose numbers at that time. However, we did say that we expected the number to increase significantly over coming days, and that has been the case.
“NHS Dumfries and Galloway are now able to advise that as at 12 noon on April 2 2020 there have been ten deaths in the region in which coronavirus was either the primary cause of death or a factor potentially contributing to death.
“Our thoughts are very much with those people’s family and friends at this time.”
He added: “We are also very thoughtful of people who are currently receiving treatment, or self-isolating with milder symptoms. “Dumfries and Galloway is not immune to the dangers posed by Covid-19.
“Although the vast majority of people who contract this coronavirus will experience mild symptoms, as we know from elsewhere in the world those most vulnerable are older adults and people with underlying health conditions. This is why is it is so important for everyone to help prevent the spread of Covid-19, and why we would like to express gratitude for all the continuing efforts to help us do everything possible to limit the impact of this virus within Dumfries and Galloway.”
