THE number of coronavirus cases in the Wee County is “causing some concern” and are being “closely monitored” by public health officials, said the council leader.

However, in a message urging people to stick with the regulations, council leader Councillor Ellen Forson said the first minister has confirmed Clackmannanshire will remain under Level 3 Covid-19 restrictions.

Cllr Forson said: “The first minister has confirmed that Clackmannanshire remains in Level 3, however, as she said in her statement to parliament, our case levels are causing some concern and are being closely monitored.

“Both myself and the council’s chief executive remain in close contact with the Scottish Government and public health officials to ensure that we all have a full understanding of the latest situation in Clackmannanshire.

“That means we all need to have a real focus on doing everything we can as individual citizens and as a community to suppress this virus, to help prevent the need to move to Level 4 restrictions.”

At the time of writing, the latest statistics available from November 24 showed there have been 679 positive cases of Covid-19 in the Wee County.

The figure increased by 10 from the day before.

The neighbouring Stirling area was placed under Level 4 restrictions last week.

Across the area covered by NHS Forth Valley, there have been 3,893 positive cases as at November 24, representing an increase of 44 from the day before.

Less than five people were in ICU with recently confirmed Covid-19 and there were 30 people in hospital with coronavirus.

The council leader added: “We need to follow Scottish Government advice; in particular continue to avoid crowded places, keep two metres apart and wash your hands often.

“Along with that we need to keep to all the Level 3 rules, and that means no non-essential travel outwith Clackmannanshire – including to Stirling - except for essential purposes such as work that cannot be done from home, education, caring and childcare.

“I know that it can seem like a hard ask after so many months of restrictions, but we can all do our part to help protect our families, friends and businesses by making sure we’re sticking to the rules.”