Local residents are being urged 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 15 people from a maximum of 5 households should gather outdoors at a time.

Mr Docherty added: “Remember FACTS; Face coverings, Avoid crowded places, Clean hands regularly, Two metre distance and self-isolate if you have symptoms.

“The situation in Glasgow city, West Dunbartonshire and East Renfrewshire is geographically close – but also very close in terms of being replicated right here in Lanarkshire.

“This should be a wake-up call for all of us to stick to the guidelines, stop this virus spreading any further or any faster and keep Lanarkshire out of lockdown."