CARE homes across Clackmannanshire will follow new guidelines for visiting after the latest restrictions were announced by the government.

According to the latest Scottish Government guidelines, visiting a loved one in a care home is classed as essential travel.

To visit someone in a care home indoors, it must be an essential visit.

For outdoor garden or window visits, this is limited to one visitor and it must be arranged with the care home in advance.

A statement on the Scottish Government website read: "As a result of the additional risk posed by the new variant, garden visits should now be limited to one visitor.

"Visits by children and young people should now be suspended."

Cllr Les Sharp, Clackmannanshire Council's spokesperson for Health & Social Care, address the restrictions and stated they are in place to keep everyone safe.

He added: "I understand that this is a difficult time for families and friends whose loved ones are in care homes but we are following the national guidance which has been put in place to help protect our most vulnerable citizens, some of whom live in care homes across Clackmannanshire.

"I would encourage people to continue to follow the latest Scottish Government guidance to keep everyone safe, save lives and protect the NHS."