Reassurance over new Covid-19 strain

People across Stirling have been reassured and urged to stick with Covid precautions in the wake of the new Omicron variant.

The latest update on Tuesday reported a total of nine cases linked to the latest coronavirus strain in Scotland, with all of the cases being reported in the Lanarkshire and Greater Glasgow and Clyde areas.

The discovery of the cases led to a warning from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on Monday that the new variant represented “the most challenging development in the course of the pandemic for quite some time”.

Stirling reported a further 35 positive cases on Sunday, with almost 350 being recorded for the week-long period up to November 26.

Across Forth Valley more widely, 182 positive cases were picked up at the latest update, with 1,469 Covid positives racked up for the same seven-day stint.

Stirling MSP Evelyn Tweed said the news about the new variant would undoubtedly cause worry, but reiterated the need to stick with current precuations in place.

Ms Tweed said: “This is a worrying time for people, especially with many of them still facing problems as a result of storm Arwen.

“It’s important to remember that we still have much to learn about this new variant and there is a huge amount of work going on behind the scenes to establish as much information as possible about Omicron.

“In the meantime the best thing we can all do is to take precautions to help minimise the risk of spreading infection, precautions that have served us well throughout the pandemic.”

“Things we can all do to minimise the risk of spreading infection include wearing a face covering on public transport and in all indoor settings for food and retail; opening windows if you have people visiting at home to keep the room ventilated; working from home where possible and taking regularly lateral flow tests, especially when mixing with people outside your household.

“If you have symptoms, selfisolate and take a test. At present, close contacts of suspected Omicron cases will be advised to self-isolate for 10 days, regardless of vaccination status.”

Stirling MP Alyn Smith said: “The Scottish Government response to this concerning development has been measured and appropriate - much is still unknown about the Omicron variant, but remaining cautious until we know more is eminently sensible.

“We all have a part to play in tackling the virus, through vaccinations and boosters, and following public health guidance.

“Good hygiene and ventilation can make all the difference to containing the spread of this dreadful disease. I fully understand folks in Stirling and across Scotland are utterly scunnered, but effective measures now can help save lives.”

At the briefing on Monday, the First Minister also stressed the need for everyone to “significantly step up and increase compliance” with existing measures including the use of face masks, handwashing and getting vaccinated.

She added: “The Scottish government will consider carefully in the coming days whether any further actions are required, as we get more information about the impact of Omicron, and the extent of its presence in Scotland.

“But the point I want to stress now is that the same measures that worked against previous strains of this virus, will also help us curb transmission of this new variant.

“So if in recent weeks you’ve been sticking a bit less strictly to the public health advice, which is entirely understandable, now is the time to start following it rigorously again.

“Every one of us can make a difference in protecting ourselves and each other.”