Region’s Covid-19 deaths

Lanarkshire saw its first confirmed coronavirus death for more than two months earlier last week.

And a second death from Covid-19 was confirmed the following day.

The news comes just days after additional coronavirus restrictions were brought in for people living in Lanarkshire following an increase in cases.

Prior to last week, no new coronavirus deaths had been recorded in Lanarkshire for more than two months.

As a result, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is now calling on residents to take action to prevent further loss of life.

She said: “While the number of deaths is much, much lower thankfully than was the case in the spring and early summer this year, nevertheless the need for me to report deaths is a more regular feature of these briefings now than it has been for quite some time.

“Unless we act to stem community transmission now it is highly likely that cases of serious illness and deaths will rise in the weeks to come.”

In total, 355 people have now died from the virus in Lanarkshire – 185 in South Lanarkshire and 170 in North Lanarkshire.

Last week, new coronavirus restrictions were introduced in Lanarkshire following an increase in cases before the so-called “rule of six” was introduced across the UK.

People living in the area should not meet with people from other households in indoor household settings.

Members from two different households, up to a maximum of six people, can continue to meet outdoors and in hospitality settings.

NHS Lanarkshire’s director of public health Gabe Docherty said: “Although we enter into these restrictions with a heavy heart, I wholeheartedly welcome them.

“Abiding by these new stricter limits will help to drive down the rate of transmission in Lanarkshire.”