And with it came a warning from NHS bosses of a ‘marked local increase’ in Covid-19.
A health and social care spokesman said: “As is being seen across Scotland as a whole, Dumfries and Galloway is experiencing an increasing number of Covid-19 cases.
“So while locations may experience peaks and troughs in terms of cases, this is a widespread virus with the potential to impact on everyone.”
According to figures from Public Health Scotland, there were 53 positives reported in the region in the week up to September 30.
However, they also revealed that just two per cent of all tests taken locally are positive, against more than 19,845 negative results in total this year.
Referring to low local levels, the health spokesman added: “Everyone needs to be on their guard against Covid. With such little exposure to the virus, there is very little immunity within our communities – and Covid is present in all four localities.
“There is not currently evidence of widespread community transmission in any particular area. However, as expected we are seeing people identified as close contacts of someone diagnosed with the coronavirus developing Covid.”
Several businesses in Dumfries this week revealed they are carrying out deep cleans or temporarily closing due to Covid.
Dickies Bar released a statement on social media after a member of weekend staff tested positive.
They called in a cleaning team to carry out a full sanitisation and afterwards said: “The pub has also been professionally fogged with a sanitiser and sterilant which deems the premises Covid safe once again. This is something we will now carry out on a routine basis, we’ve also retained the equipment so we can carry this out whenever it’s required.
“We’ve worked with Public Health Scotland and Public Health Dumfries and Galloway closely and followed all instructions and regulations.”
In addition, the Basement 20 hair salon is closed for two weeks after two positive cases were in the premises.
A message on Facebook said the stylists are now self isolating for 14 days, adding: “We are doing this because we take our responsibilities for keeping our clients and team safe very seriously.”
And just yesterday the Dolce Vita restaurant announced it was closing until October 12 after a member of the kitchen team tested positive, adding: “We want to make sure we are doing everything we possibly can to prevent any further possible spread.”
Meanwhile, a councillor has called for more localised information on exactly where infections are occurring.
Stranraer and The Rhins representative Willie Scobie said he is only finding out about clusters from social media and wants more official and specific updates.
He said: “It’s social media gossip and I am trying to make sure we get the fullest information ward by ward. We need to know what’s going on rather than relying on social media.”
Council chief executive Gavin Stevenson said they have to be careful what is shared as there are issues around confidentiality and a stigma about being tested.
But Mr Scobie replied: “I am not looking for names, I am looking for transmission in the wards. That information does get out. Social media does not recognise confidentiality.”
