Over-70s urged to watch for vaccine letter

other sectors through cultural recovery funds but have been told we do not fit the criteria. We are left wondering why our employees’ jobs and the leisure preferences of our customers are seen as less important by the Scottish Government compared to other hospitality venues.”

Most bingo clubs have been closed for nine out of the last ten months since the lockdown in March. When open restrictions have included reduced opening hours and strict two metre distancing, meaning they could operate at no more than 25 per cent capacity.

Bingo operators have relied on small closure grants for their clubs, worth up to £3000 per month, to cover the costs of bills, rent, utilities and employment costs. In total, it is estimated the

Stirling residents over the age of 70 are being urged to look out for their vaccination appointments as they are posted out this week.

It represents the latest step in the national fight against coronavirus, with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon emphasising the importance for those contacted to attend their given appointment.

It comes as a further four deaths were recorded from Covid-19 in the past 24 hours - although the figure may be sector has lost over £80million in revenue in the past ten months.

Bingo Association Scotland CEO Miles Baron said: “Bingo clubs have been entertaining a largely working class, female, demographic since the 1960s and contribute significantly not artificially low due to weekend reporting delays.

A further 752 positive cases were also reported up to Monday, with 2,016 now in hospital with the virus.

At her briefing on Monday afternoon, Ms Sturgeon said: “It’s in your interests, and obviously, everybody else’s interests, for you to accept the appointment and get vaccinated as soon as possible.

“Today therefore marks a further important milestone in a vaccination programme which is making good progress and we remain on track to vaccinate everybody who is over the age of 70 by the middle of February.” only to our local economy, but also to our local communities where they provide schemes intended to address the social isolation of many of our customers.

“It is therefore extremely difficult to explain to our valued customers, and our employees, why their pastime and job is seemingly of less importance to save than other entertainment and hospitality businesses.

“Without support, the local bingo club could become a thing of the past.”

Stirling MSP Bruce Crawford said he and Stirling MP Alyn Smith had been in touch with Stirling bingo operators and made representations to the Scottish Government.

He added: “We were pleased to see changes were made to

Many customers, particularly female, see this as a safe place to visit and meet friends Mike Watret

Ms Sturgeon also revealed progress against vaccination targets, with 95 per cent of care home residents and 46 per cent of all over-80s in Scotland now having received their initial jag.

However, despite the progress made, she was quick to encourage those having received their first dose to stick with current restrictions due to a lag in the time taken for protection and concerns over the continued transmission risk.

The First Minister added: “The first dose will reduce your chances of becoming ill from Covid after around two weeks.

“Even then, we don’t yet know, the scientific community doesn’t yet know whether it will stop you passing Covid on to other people.

“Getting the jag will bring a justified sense of relief to many people, but it is really important for now to remember that it doesn’t mean you should stop sticking to the other advice about avoiding getting or passing on Covid.”

The latest local figures saw 17 positive cases reported on Sunday, with a total of 493 cases being recorded in the seven days up to January 24.

Five of those cases on Sunday were reported in Stirling, with 114 cases in the region over the same seven-day period.