Forth Valley records further seven positive Covid-19 cases

A further seven positive cases were recorded among Friday's figures.

According to Friday’s daily figures released by the Scottish Government, the total number of positive cases confirmed in the health board region since the outbreak began is now 1164 – an increase of seven since Thursday.

The latest rise in cases locally follows a number of increases in recent days.

In the last seven days there have been 38 new cases across Forth Valley.

Friday’s figures came as it was confirmed a pupil at Ladeside Primary School in Larbert had tested positive.

However, NHS Forth Valley said the pupil was self-isolating at home with other family members and initial information suggests the virus was contracted outside of the school and there is no evidence at this stage of any transmission within the school premises.

Close contacts of the individual have been identified and are being followed up with advice and support.

Falkirk area school pupil tests positive for Covid-19

On Monday, a small cluster of five cases was confirmed in Forth Valley, with the confirmed cases having worked or visited five locations in the region – Village Inn, Tesco and GS Meldrum Newsagent in Dunblane; McDonald’s in Drip Road, Stirling and Bridge of Allan Sports Club.

Again, NHS Forth Valley said the risk to anyone who had visited the premises is extremely low as appropriate control measures are in place.

On Thursday, a pupil at Balfron High School, near Stirling, also tested positive for the virus.

Earlier this week, Dr Graham Foster, NHS Forth Valley’s Director of Public Health, reminded people of the importance of continuing to follow national guidance to protect yourself and others.

He said: "This includes physical distancing indoors and outdoors, washing your hands regularly, wearing face coverings, where required and arranging to get tested immediately if you develop any of the symptoms of Covid-19.”

Across Scotland on Friday, there were 159 new positive cases of Covid-19 recorded, bringing the country’s total number of confirmed cases since the outbreak began to 21,048.

A total of 612,990 people have been tested in Scotland, with 591,942 of them returning negative results.