Grangemouth Post Office to re-open as staff get all clear after COVID-19 scare

On Tuesday, Grangemouth Post Office was forced to close following a COVID-19 scare.

Customers’ thoughts and prayers were with the two staff members after it emerged they were both being tested for coronavirus.

In a statement on its Facebook page the popular York Square post office confirmed the reason for its temporary closure on Tuesday morning.

“We received a message this morning that someone that we had been in contact with had tested positive for COVID-19. As a precaution we have both been for a test this afternoon.

“We hope to be open by the end of the week.”

The contact with the individual infected with COVID-19 reportedly did not take place in the post office premises.

As queues formed outside the building earlier in the day the post office stated on its Facebook page: “Unfortunately due to circumstances beyond our control we will be closed until further notice. Apologies for any inconvenience.”

Thankfully both members of staff subsequently tested negative for coronavirus and the post office is scheduled to re-open today.Still it acts as a reminder to all of us that the danger from COVID-19 is still with us.

As more and more premises re-open we can all be forgiven for thinking things are going back to normal.

The freedoms we once took for granted are now returning, but the act of travelling to far off locations, eating in restaurants, going to cinemas and visiting friends and family has to be carried out responsibly with adherence to COVID-19 guidelines and safety measures.

These freedoms cannot be taken for granted or they may be taken away from us once again.

You just need to look at what is happening in Aberdeen, Glasgow, East Refrewshire and, closer to home Dunblane, to see that lockdown is a just a few bad decisions – and a few confirmed coronavuirus cases – away from being slammed in place again.

We do not want to have restrictions place on us for two weeks due to rising coronavirus figures.

And if you need to see the danger COVID-19 still poses and the effect it can have on the local community you just have to look at the post office incident which happened on our own doorstep this week.

Dr Graham Foster, NHS Forth Valley’s Director of Public Health, said: “The recent increase in confirmed cases of COVID-19 across Scotland is a stark reminder the virus has not gone away.“It’s therefore really important people across Forth Valley continue to follow the national guidance to help protect themselves and others. This includes physical distancing indoors and outdoors, washing your hands regularly, using face coverings where recommended and limiting the number of people you meet and socialise with.“You should also get tested immediately if you develop any COVID-19 symptoms.”