Local politicians are calling on rural Stirling residents to stick to the restrictions in place as the Stirling Council area remains in Protection Level 3, with the First Minister warning that there were serious concerns about the continued spread of Covid-19 locally.
A number of rural communities are experiencing rising numbers of infections, with Blane Valley and Callander & the Trossachs marked as red, the most severe category for infection rate per 100,000.
As of Wednesday morning (11 November), the 7-day rate of infection per 100,000 in each rural area is:
Carse of Stirling – 75-99
Callander and Trossachs – 100+
Highland – 30-49
Kippen and Fintry – 50-74
Blane valley – 100+
Balfron and Drymen – 30-49
Commenting, Stirling SNP Candidate for next year’s election, Councillor Evelyn Tweed said:
“Data tells us that Covid-19 is likely present in every single local community right now, reaching particularly severe levels in Stirling City, Callander and the surrounding Trossachs, and Blane Valley. There are also rising numbers in Kippen and Fintry, and the Carse of Stirling. Whilst there are lower infection rates in areas such as the Stirling Highlands and Balfron and Drymen, I am nevertheless concerned that the number of cases has grown in these areas and a relaxation of the rules could exacerbate that right now.
“I’m working closely with Council officials, as well as with Bruce Crawford MSP and Alyn Smith MP, to ensure that we’re doing everything we can to support people right now. Local folk are keen to stick to the rules so that we can see infection rates drop and restrictions eased. It’s important that we’re all working together to help make that happen.”
Alyn Smith MP said:
“This is a serious situation that could so easily deteriorate fast. The First Minister pointed out this week that the situation in Stirling is being closely monitored by health officials.
“We are currently in Level 3, which is the second most serious set of restrictions on the table. We want to avoid having to go into Level 4, but that decision remains an option if there’s a chance with it that we could save the lives of local people.
“I would urge everyone to check their postcode on: https://www.gov.scot/check-local-covid-level/ to see what restrictions apply to them, and to ensure at all times they’re wearing face coverings in enclosed public spaces, avoiding crowded places, cleaning their hands regularly, booking a test and self-isolating if they experience any of the Covid symptoms.”
Notes:
Local infection rates found: https://public.tableau.com/profile/phs.covid.19#!/vizhome/COVID-19DailyDashboard_15960160643010/Overview
