Christina McKelvie MSP for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse has joined calls for everyone to pull together to keep Lanarkshire out of lockdown as a rise in local cases brings the area close to Covid-19 restrictions being imposed.

Restrictions on visiting other households have been introduced in Glasgow city, West Dunbartonshire and East Renfrewshire after a rise in coronavirus cases.

And with local cases rising again in Lanarkshire, public health officials have warned that preventative precautionary measures may be advised in Lanarkshire.

Ahead of the weekend, NHS Lanarkshire director of public health, Gabe Docherty stressed that every resident has a role to play in keeping Lanarkshire out of lockdown.

Mr Docherty said: “No one wants another lockdown. But Lanarkshire is very close to facing additional Covid-19 restrictions similar to those in Glasgow and neighbouring areas.

“Ahead of the weekend, and indeed beyond, we need everyone’s help to avoid that happening by following well-publicised advice.

“In particular I’d encourage people who are returning from a restricted travel locations to isolate for 14 days when they return. If you have symptoms, even mild, please do not attend work.

“Similarly, it’s crucially important people limit the amount of people they have close contact with.”

Mr Docherty reiterated Government guidance on outdoor and indoor gatherings. No more than 8 people from a maximum of 3 households should gather indoors at a time.

No more than 15 people from a maximum of 5 households should gather outdoors at a time.

Christina said: “It is vitally important that we all keep to the guidance to avoid losing all the progress we have made in controlling the spread of COVID-19. In particular, remembering the FACTS is vital. Face coverings, Avoid crowded places, Clean hands regularly, Two metre distancing and Self-isolate and book a test if showing symptoms.

“We can avoid the restrictions placed on Glasgow city, West Dunbartonshire and East Renfrewshire if we all do our bit. If the virus continues to spread however, we could see them replicated here in Lanarkshire.

“Let's treat this as an early warning sign. Remember the FACTS and together we can safeguard all the progress we have made so far."