THERE is "no room for complacency" in suppressing Covid-19 in the Forth Valley, public health officials said as they hope to avoid a resurgence in cases.

While there has been a significant reduction in coronavirus transmission rates across the area covered by NHS Forth Valley in the past few weeks, coupled with a drop in patient numbers, people are being urged to keep sticking to the rules.

Dr Graham Foster, director of public health at the health board, provided an update for the Advertiser after the number of patients at Forth Valley Royal Hospital with recently confirmed Covid-19 dropped below 10.

Last week saw a sustained reduction in numbers continue, following record high numbers in February, when as many as 171 patients were being treated on the busiest day of the month.

Dr Foster said: "We are pleased that the Covid-19 rates have fallen significantly across Forth Valley over the few weeks and the number of patients in local hospitals with Covid-19 also continues to reduce.

"This is down to a number of public health measures including rapid targeted testing where local outbreaks have occurred, the introduction of new local testing centres for people who don't have any symptoms of the virus and the ongoing roll out of the Covid-19 vaccination programme."

As of last week, more than 60 per cent of the population in the Forth Valley have received their first dose of the vaccine while more than 24,000 are fully immunised, having received their second dose.

However, Dr Foster is urging caution.

He added: "Although this reduction is good news, there is no room for complacency and it's therefore very important that we all continue to stick to the rules to ensure we don't experience a resurgence in cases.

"The virus is still out there and we are still seeing around 20-30 new positive cases in Forth Valley every day so it's vital to remain vigilant to avoid giving the virus a chance to spread."

Targeting small outbreaks quickly and effectively remains key to suppressing coronavirus in the area.

As reported last week, mobile testing units were set up in Tullibody and Sauchie to limit the spread around two primary schools, where remote learning was introduced.

Dr Foster said: "We have responded to a number of local outbreaks in recent weeks and targeted action has been taken to limit the spread of Covid-19 connected with several local primary schools in the Clackmannanshire area.

"This clearly shows the virus has not gone away and as restrictions start to ease it is still vital to keep following the national advice on staying local, limiting the number of people you meet outdoors, staying two metres apart, wearing face coverings and washing your hands.

"These are the best ways to protect yourself and others during the ongoing pandemic."