Region is Covid hotspot as 400 cases recorded Data sparks health chief’s‘be sensible’message
More than 400 positive Covid cases were reported in Stirling last week as the strain of the virus kicks in ahead of winter.
The latest data released from Public Health Scotland has revealed the extent of the rise in cases across the Forth Valley, with the region reporting the highest average case rate per 100,000 of population in the past week.
Forth Valley reported an additional 179 new cases of the virus in the latest update on Sunday, with a total of 1,356 positive tests racked up for the seven days up to October 22.
It meant the region recorded an average rate of 443.2 per 100,000 with the next highest health board area being Fife at 425.3.
In terms of local authorities, Clackmannanshire has once again found its way to the top spot, with 301 cases reporting for the week up to October 22.
That gave the Wee County an average rate of 586.9 per 100,000 with East Ayrshire coming in next highest at 474.5.
Stirling has also found its way into the top five, with an average rate of 435.8 per 100,000 after 63 new positive cases were reported on Sunday and 410 for the week up to last Friday.
The rise in positive cases locally comes as the Covid vaccine booster programme swings into action, firstly targeting vulnerable groups more at risk of becoming seriously ill with the virus.
An NHS Forth Valley spokesperson stressed the smaller population of Clackmannanshire meant that even a “relatively small” number of cases led to a large increase in the rate per 100,000.
Meanwhile, a top health chief stressed the need for “vigilance” heading into the traditionally busy winter season but said the vaccination programme to date has slowed down the numbers seriously ill with Covid.
Dr Graham Foster, NHS Forth Valley’s director of public health, said: “The increase in positive cases in local communities across Forth Valley and many other areas of Scotland in recent weeks clearly shows the virus is still out there.
“Thankfully, due to the vaccination programme, fewer people are becoming seriously unwell due to Covid-19 however there is no room for complacency and people should therefore remain vigilant and take sensible steps to help protect themselves and others, particularly as we head into the winter period.
“This includes taking regular Covid-19 tests to help prevent people with no symptoms from spreading the virus to friends, family or colleagues without realising it.
“Rapid LFD test kits are widely available at local testing centres, pharmacies and also available to order via post. More details, including how to order kits online, can be found on the NHS Inform website.
“Anyone with symptoms of Covid-19 should book a PCR test via the NHS Inform website or by calling 119. Please stay at home and do not attend work or school until you have received a negative PCR test to confirm you are not infectious.”
“I would also like to encourage anyone who hasn’t yet received both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine to get vaccinated as soon as possible at one of our local drop-in vaccination clinics or any of the vaccination centres across Scotland if that is more convenient.”
Increase in positive cases across the Forth Valley shows the virus is still out there