As pubs, shops and gyms across Falkirk reopen today a top local health chief is warning there is 'no room for complacency'.
It's the first time since Christmas Eve we've been able to pop into our local for a pint, or explore inside of big retailers in the area.
Graham Foster, Director of Public Health at NHS Forth Valley, says that despite coronavirus infections dropping slightly across Falkirk, Stirling and Clackmannanshire, we still need to be on our guard.
Today marks a significant easing or lockdown rules, with pubs, beer gardens and all non-essential retailers reopening for the first time this year.
Dr Foster told Falkirk Live: "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.
"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 continue to see a number of new positive cases every day in Forth Valley.
"This clearly shows the virus has not gone away and, as restrictions start to ease over the coming days and weeks, it is still vital to keep following the national advice on 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."
