A cluster of five positive COVID-19 cases has been confirmed in the NHS Forth Valley area and our Test and Protect team has identified a list of close contacts who have been contacted and are now self-isolating.

Contact tracing has also identified the following businesses where the individuals worked or had visited. These are;

• Village Inn, Dunblane
• Tesco, Dunblane
• GS Meldrum Newsagent, Dunblane
• Bridge of Allan Sports Club
• McDonalds, Drip Road, Stirling

NHS Forth Valley’s Public Health Department and Stirling Council’s Environment Health Service have been working with these premises to provide appropriate advice and support. The risk to anyone who has visited these premises is extremely low as appropriate control measures are in place. Only those who have already been identified as close contacts need to self-isolate. There is no need for anyone to arrange a test if they are not experiencing any symptoms unless they have been advised to do so by the Test and Protect service.

Dr Jennifer Champion, Consultant in Public Health Medicine and Chair of the IMT, said: “NHS Forth Valley has been working closely with our council partner to investigate this cluster. Close contacts have already been contacted by our Test and Protect service so if you have not been contacted by the NHS then you do not require to self-isolate or book a test.”

“I would like to reassure the local community that the risk remains low however it’s important to continue to follow the national guidance to protect themselves and others. This includes physical distancing indoors and outdoors, washing your hands regularly, using hand gel provided and arranging to get tested immediately if you develop any of the symptoms of COVID-19.”