Stirling remains under Level Two Covid restrictions following concerns over rising case rates in recent days.
The announcement was made at the latest update offered by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to Holyrood on Tuesday, dashing the hopes of some local businesses anticipating a move to Level One from this weekend.
Stirling is one of fourteen local authorities in Scotland remaining in the current phase until the next review period, with neighbouring Clackmannanshire also included on the list.
In her statement, Ms Sturgeon said the decision represented a “pause” for most of the areas stuck in Level Two and stressed that taking a “cautious approach” would allow for the country’s route of lockdown to remain on track.
Ms Sturgeon also stressed that Level Two measures did not represent a lockdown and said that she did believe a move to Level Three for any area was “proportionate” despite a jump in case levels in some regions.
It means that an increase of the numbers allowed to meet indoors and outdoors will now be delayed and wedding/funeral capacities will remain at the current 50 compared to the 100 permitted in Level One areas.
The wait also goes on for businesses who have been eagerly awaiting the move to Level One, including soft play centres.
One of those affected is Stirling firm Kidz Town Role Play Centre, which has been left “devastated” by the news which ended hopes for an expected June 7 re-opening date after months of enforced closure.
The most recent PHS data has reported 11 new positive cases in Stirling on Tuesday , with the seven-day total up to Sunday sitting at 64.
In Clackmannanshire, there were a total of 17 newly reported cases - with the week-long number sitting at 30.
Stirling MP Alyn Smith urged locals to keep the faith.
Mr Smith said: “This is obviously disappointing, but we need to proceed with additional caution at this stage of fighting the pandemic
“Whilst other areas of the country will enter Level One restrictions over the weekend, the case rate in Stirling, and the picture that it paints for us, means the sensible thing to do would be to remain in Level Two for a little while longer to ensure we’re driving down the spread of Covid in our communities.
“The rollout of the vaccine has meant that this rise in case numbers does not mean that we need to go back into a full lockdown - just a few months ago this was not the case.
“Therefore, I’m urging residents and visitors to follow all the rules and advice, and to also take up the vaccine when it becomes available to you.
“In addition to this, I must highlight the importance of testing. Regular Lateral Flow Tests are available to order online to do at home - and PCR test sites continue to operate in the Stirling area.
“These are an important factor in identifying where the virus is and defeating it.
“If we stick with it, I’m confident we will see case numbers fall locally, which will mean further restrictions being lifted.”
However, Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Dean Lockhart said the decision would come as a hammer blow to businesses.
Mr Lockhart said: “The success of the UK vaccination programme is clearly having a positive impact on breaking the link between cases and hospitalisations.
“Whilst there have been examples of local outbreaks in the Stirling area, these have been dealt with efficiently by test and protect.
“Businesses in Stirling and Clackmannanshire are on their knees and will be deeply disappointed at this decision.”
