THE Borders will stay in Level 2 of the Scottish Government's coronavirus restrictions, with a joint spokesperson for NHS Borders and the council describing cases as “remaining stubbornly high”.

In the Borders between November 15-21, the number of positive cases per 100,000 people was 58.9, with 68 reported cases since last Tuesday (November 17).

The region has been in Level 2 of the Scottish Government’s five-tier system ever since it was brought in on October 29.

Each region's position in the system is reviewed every Tuesday, with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announcing today (November 24) that the Borders would stay in Level 2.

READ MORE: Coronavirus: Borders records 6 new cases in last 24 hours

Ms Sturgeon said that COVID-19 restriction levels in all Scottish regions would remain unchanged, although she added that the tier system is “having an impact”.

NHS Borders’ associate director of public health, Dr Keith Allan, says the number of confirmed cases in the Borders “remains a cause for concern”.

“I know that people may look at the figures and think that they are low in relation to the size of our population, however I cannot stress enough how important it is that complacency does not set in,” said Dr Allan.

“The reality is that there are now twice as many people in the BGH with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 than there were at the beginning of last week, with two wards dedicated to care for these patients.

“If numbers continue to increase at this rate there will be an impact on the delivery of health and care services.

“Whilst we are prepared for this, it is really important that everyone plays their part and follows all of the guidelines and restrictions that are in place.

“This gives us the best chance that we have to slow the spread, minimise any further impact on our daily lives and protect the most vulnerable members of our community.

“If people put their own twist on the rules, they won’t work and we risk moving into a higher tier which we all want to avoid.”

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He added: “If you are showing any symptoms of COVID-19 you must self-isolate and book a test immediately.

"Whilst you wait for your test results the people you live with must also self-isolate.

“We continue to hear of instances where people attend work with symptoms of the virus, or whilst they are awaiting test results. This puts other people at risk and should not happen.

“When you do go out and about remember to wear a face covering, avoid crowded places, clean your hands regularly and maintain a two-metre distance from others.”