Coronavirus: Hawick outbreak case total reaches 15

A deep clean of the Morrisons store in Hawick has been carried out

The number of cases in a Covid-19 outbreak in the Scottish Borders has risen to 15.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed the increase of two from figures released at the weekend.

NHS Borders said at the time that none of the cases involved was causing any clinical concern.

Some of the recent cases are understood to involve staff at a local Morrisons supermarket which has undergone a deep clean.

In addition to the supermarket, two other local businesses - the Trinity Bar and Baguette & Go - have been at the centre of contact tracing efforts.

NHS Borders said the risk of catching the virus in the town was low but asked people to remain "extra vigilant".

Gym delay

In light of the increase in cases, visiting to Hawick Community Hospital and care homes in Hawick has been temporarily suspended.

The health board said the step had been taken as a precaution to protect more vulnerable members of the community.

Live Borders - the trust which runs a range of leisure centres across the region - has also put the reopening of one Hawick facility on hold.

The Teviotdale Leisure Centre gym, which was scheduled open on Wednesday, will now do so a week later providing there is no further increase in cases.

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