CLACKS adults most at risk from coronavirus face challenging winter months ahead with tightening restrictions amid a rising number of cases.

Members of groups such as Breathe Easy Clackmannanshire, who are particularly vulnerable due to pre-existing respiratory issues, are facing further isolation going into the winter months – having already endured months of lockdown.

Linda McLeod BEM, chair of the lung disease support group, has been doing what she can to keep in touch with her members in a bid to reduce loneliness.

Following last week's announcement of restrictions, which again put a hold on household visits, expressed her frustration at those who were flouting the rules.

She told the Advertiser: "My family, like so many families in Scotland, followed the government's advice on staying safe, wearing masks and observing social distancing.

"However, thanks to a small minority who thought they were above the law, showing very little or no common sense, breaking all the regulations, meeting up in crowds, in houses and more – therefore spreading the virus to family members and friends.

"This behaviour has now seen new rules and guidelines put in place; thank them for the 10pm closing in pubs and restaurants.

"Thank them for the inability to visit family in their homes.

"Some people will never learn."

A quick survey of Clackmannanshire Older Adults' Forum members, at the request of the Advertiser, found that it is the Wee County's "army of volunteers" many in the community rely on.

While many services moved online, including supermarket deliveries, people who have no technology or the skills to use it find everyday life "problematic".

Representations from the forum said: "The current highlighted reliance on technology in our everyday lives is challenging for some people.

"Access to training must be available to those who want it."

Older people are also concerned for the younger generations as mental health issues during the lockdown are "becoming alarmingly prevalent".

The forum added: "The present situation could be helped by closing the pubs.

"This would alleviate the crowds in the pubs, on the streets at 10pm and the crowds on public transport at that time.

"We must have an adequate, efficient testing system so that, never again, will patients be released from hospital into the community and care homes unless they are healthy.

"There must be an appropriate deterrent, imposed by the authorities, on those who do not obey the rules laid down for the safety of all of us."