HEALTH chiefs in the Forth Valley are highlighting the dangers of car sharing during the coronavirus pandemic.

Medics at NHS Forth Valley issued the warning after a number of Covid-19 cases have been linked to people travelling together in vehicles, particularly those who share transport for their work.

Dr Graham Foster, director of public health, said: "We strongly advise against getting into anyone else's car or van as we are now hearing of local cases due to vehicle sharing.

"Where it is essential for people from different households to travel together in vans or cars, they should wear a face covering at all times, keep windows open and keep trips as short as possible.

"In addition, no-one in central Scotland should be going into anyone else's home unless it is essential for caring roles or urgent repairs, in which case the appropriate PPE should be worn.

"We are now seeing rates of coronavirus in central Scotland that are similar to when we were in full lockdown earlier in the year and the key message remains to keep two metres apart, wash your hands frequently, avoid crowded places and wear face coverings in line with national guidance."

He added that some of the recent cases seen across the health board are probably the result of transmission before enhanced measures were introduced.

Therefore, he is hopeful that the benefits of less social mixing will be realised soon.

Dr Forster is also urging people to remember the symptoms of coronavirus, including a high temperature or fever, a new and continuous cough, as well as a loss of or change in the sense of smell or taste.

People who develop any of the above symptoms should self-isolate and book a test as soon as possible at nhsinform.scot/test-and-protect or by calling 0800 028 2816.