Test & Protect call for Falkirk as further virus deaths

It comes as two more deaths linked to Covid-19 are announced in the Falkirk Council area and Aberdeen was put into further lockdown after a virus cluster.

The death toll in this area is now 138 with one death in the last week reported in a care home and one in hospital.

The majority of coronavirus deaths locally have been in care homes with 68, while 55 have been in hospital and 15 at home.

The total deaths linked to the virus in Forth Valley is 241.

This week NHS Forth Valley reminded people of the three things they need to do to suppress the virus as restrictions ease:

*Self-isolate and book a test immediately if you have coronavirus symptoms: a new, persistent cough, high temperature or loss or change in taste or smell.

*If the test result is positive, you’ll be confidentially contacted and asked to provide NHS Scotland with the names of people you’ve been in close contact with as they may be at risk.

*If you’re contacted by NHS Scotland to say you’ve been in close contact with someone that has the virus, isolate for 14 days. Following this advice is crucial as it can take 14 days for symptoms to develop, and the virus can be passed on during this time.

Dr Graham Foster, Director of Public Health for NHS Forth Valley said: “Test and Protect is key to breaking the chains of coronavirus transmission, protecting the progress we’ve made and saving lives.

“If you have symptoms, we’re asking you to self-isolate, get tested and share details of those you’ve come into close contact with. If you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive and are asked to self-isolate by the NHS, it’s important to follow that advice.”