POLICE have expressed their gratitude to Helensburgh and Lomond residents for their observation of social distancing – as the council says it will get tough on anybody coughing on staff.

Argyll and Bute Council issued the warning after police said that they would take “robust action” against anybody claiming they had coronavirus and then coughing on people.

But Police Scotland’s senior officer in the Helensburgh and Lomond area, Inspector Roddy MacNeill, has said there have been no such occurrences in the area to date, and praised the co-operation of residents during the Covid-19 outbreak.

People are advised to keep a minimum of two metres away from each other, and avoid social gatherings of more than two people, to help deal with the spread of coronavirus.

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Inspector MacNeill said: “Compliance with the government guidelines around Helensburgh and Lomond has been good. We have had nobody acting in this way towards officers.

“As has been widely covered in the press and on TV, Police Scotland are carrying out patrols in all areas and will engage with persons when required and we will be working with the public to ensure people continue to adhere to the direction given and follow any instruction/advice given by officers.

“I would like to thank the general public for their actions so far and trust that it will continue as we move through this difficult time together.”

Chief Superintendent David Duncan, of Police Scotland’s safer communities division, had previously said that his officers had become aware of alleged incidents where people claiming to have the virus have coughed, or threatened to cough, on elderly and vulnerable people.

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He described the alleged actions as “extremely upsetting to victims” and promised “robust action” against anybody threatening other people in that manner.

Argyll and Bute Council has also promised that it will not tolerate anybody threatening its staff with such action during the Covid-19 crisis.

A council spokesperson said: “It is our responsibility to provide a safe and healthy working environment for our staff and we do not tolerate violence/aggressive behaviour towards our hardworking employees.

“Our staff have the right to be treated with respect and dignity at all times, especially while doing an essential job under difficult circumstances to keep important services going.”

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