SCOTTISH Borders Council has issued a statement after it was announced that the coronavirus lockdown will be extended.

Current lockdown restrictions had been due to be removed at the end of January for the Borders, as well as the rest of mainland Scotland.

However, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon today (January 19) announced that the lockdown – which has seen non-essential shops close, and home-working the 'default' position – will be extended until “at least the middle of February”.

Regarding the extension, council leader Shona Haslam said: "It is clear that COVID-19 is still too prevalent in our communities so we need to stick with the lockdown restrictions for a bit longer.

“Please continue to stay at home as much as possible and only leave for essential purposes or to get some exercise.

“Our Community Assistance Hubs continue to operate to support those in critical need and co-ordinate support across a range of partners and community groups. Anyone in need of assistance can contact their local hub through 0300 100 1800.

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"It is also vital that as many people as possible work from home where they can and we are again asking employers to be flexible to allow this to happen.

"We want to get everyone back in our schools as soon as it is safe but for now we'll continue to deliver home learning for the majority of our pupils. Inspire Learning continues to give us a fantastic platform to provide this.

“I want to thank all young people, parents and carers, and our staff for their flexibility and hard work as online learning continues for another few weeks.”

Dr Tim Patterson, NHS Borders’ director of public health, said: “Coronavirus affects people of all ages. Please do not be complacent.

“We are seeing patients of all ages requiring hospital treatment for COVID. A high proportion of confirmed tests are showing as being the new strain which we know is a lot more contagious.

“It therefore remains extremely important that everyone follows the Scottish Government advice; stay at home. If you do not mix with people you cannot come into contact with the virus – it is as simple as that. The actions we all take now will enable us to emerge from this very challenging period as soon as we can.

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“The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones is to follow the FACTS:

· Face coverings in enclosed spaces

· Avoid crowded places

· Clean hands and surfaces regularly

· Two metre distancing; and

· Self-isolate and book a test if you have symptoms

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“If you develop any symptoms of COVID-19 which are a new continuous cough, a fever/high temperature (37.8C or greater) and /or a loss of, or change in, sense of smell or taste you should self-isolate immediately and visit NHS Inform or phone 0800 028 2816 to book a test.

“A new continuous cough is defined as if you are coughing a lot for more than 1 hour, or you have been coughing a lot 3 or more times in 24 hours. If you normally have a cough, it may be worse than usual.

“Whilst you wait for your test all of your household members must self-isolate. This is really important to prevent potential spread of this highly contagious virus.”

Earlier today, Ms Sturgeon said: “Any relaxation of lockdown while case numbers, even although they might be declining, nevertheless remain very high, could quickly send the situation into reverse especially with the faster spreading variant now being so dominant.

“That, of course, would further accelerate and intensify pressure on the National Health Service.”

She added that the restrictions would be reviewed again on February 2.