Hawick Covid-19 outbreak: Seven Covid-19 cases confirmed in Scottish Borders town

The cases in Hawick are linked to a Morrisons supermarket, the Trinity Bar and Baguette & Go.

NHS Borders and Scottish Borders Council released details this evening and said all close contacts with the positive case associated with Morrisons have been contacted and given advice.

NHS Borders Test and Protect team are contacting any customers of the Trinity Bar who may be affected and close contacts are being advised to self-isolate and are also being given appropriate advice.

Covid-19 cases have been linked to a Morrisons supermarket in the town. Pic: Google

The risk of catching the virus at Baguette & Go was low, but if you visited the premises on August 20 or 21 then you need to be "extra vigilant."

The authorities said cooperation from all three businesses has been excellent.

Advice

Anyone experiencing any Covid-19 symptoms - a fever, persistent cough or loss of taste or smell - must self-isolate immediately and book a test for the virus.

This can be done by going online to www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or calling 0800 028 2816.

Whilst you wait for your test all of your household members should self-isolate.

You may be asked to travel to Galashiels for a test however plans are being prepared to set up a mobile testing unit in Hawick later this week. Further details will be provided as soon as possible.

Unless your child has been asked to self-isolate by NHS Borders Test and Protect team they should attend school as normal.

However, it remains vital that no child attends school if they are displaying any Covid-19 symptoms. These symptoms are a new persistent cough, temperature and/or loss or change in ability to taste or smell.

Your child or children must not attend school if they or any household member is showing symptoms of COVID-19 - and the school must be advised of their absence.

The authorities urged people to keep following Scottish Government guidance by wearing face coverings in enclosed spaces, avoiding crowds, regularly cleaning hands, maintaining a physical distance of two metres and self-isolating and booking a test if you have symptoms.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism.

Subscribe to scotsman.com and enjoy unlimited access to Scottish news and information online and on our app. Visit https://www.scotsman.com/subscriptions now to sign up.

By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Joy Yates

Editorial Director