Covid cases confirmed in Bridge of Allan and Dunblane

A cluster of five positive Covid-19 cases has been confirmed in the Forth Valley area.

The local Test and Protect team has drawn up a list of close contacts who have been traced and told to self-isolate.

Officials have also identified several businesses where the affected people worked or had visited.

These include the Tesco supermarket, the Village Inn and GS Meldrum in Dunblane, as well as the Bridge of Allan Sports Club and Mcdonalds on Drip Road, Stirling.

NHS Forth Valley’s public health department and Stirling Council’s environment health service have been working with these premises to provide appropriate advice and support.

The risk to anyone who has visited these premises is extremely low as appropriate control measures are in place.

Only those who have already been identified as close contacts need to self-isolate.

There is no need for anyone to arrange a test if they are not experiencing any symptoms unless they have been advised to do so by the Test and Protect service.

Dr Jennifer Champion, consultant in public health medicine and chairwoman of the Incident Management Team, said: “I would like to reassure the local community that the risk remains low.

“However, it’s important to continue to follow the national guidance to protect themselves and others.

“This includes physical distancing indoors and outdoors, washing your hands regularly, using hand gel provided and arranging to get tested immediately if you develop any of the symptoms of Covid-19.”

Local Conservative MSP Alexander Stewart said he would be seeking assurances.

“It is very concerning, but I have a lot of faith in NHS Forth Valley and it does appear that they are managing this outbreak well,” he said.