Lanarkshire 'very close' to coronavirus restrictions

Lanarkshire is “very close” to being slapped with coronavirus restrictions, the NHS has warned.

The region’s health board has issued a “wake-up call” due to a rise in cases and said “preventative precautionary measures” may be needed.

Restrictions on indoors gatherings have already been reinstated for people living in Glasgow, East Renfrewshire and West Dunbartonshire.

Aberdeen also had a local lockdown, with pubs and restaurants forced to close and residents given travel limits.

Gabe Docherty, NHS Lanarkshire director of public health, urged people to think carefully about their weekend activities.

He said: “No one wants another lockdown. But Lanarkshire is very close to facing additional Covid-19 restrictions similar to those in Glasgow and neighbouring areas.

“Ahead of the weekend, and indeed beyond, we need everyone’s help to avoid that happening by following well-publicised advice.

“In particular I’d encourage people who are returning from a restricted travel locations to isolate for 14 days when they return. If you have symptoms, even mild, please do not attend work.

“Similarly, it’s crucially important people limit the amount of people they have close contact with.”

Scotland recorded 156 confirmed cases of coronavirus, the second-highest daily total since May 16, in the last 24 hours – 16 were in Lanarkshire.

Mr Docherty has reiterated Scottish Government guidance on indoor gatherings, which is no more than eight people meeting inside from a maximum of three households.

For outdoor gatherings, it is no more than 15 from five households.

He said: “The situation in Glasgow city, West Dunbartonshire and East Renfrewshire is geographically close – but also very close in terms of being replicated right here in Lanarkshire.

“This should be a wake-up call for all of us to stick to the guidelines, stop this virus spreading any further or any faster and keep Lanarkshire out of lockdown.”