PEOPLE in Helensburgh and Lomond are being urged to follow the Covid-19 rules by self-isolating from the moment they start to experience symptoms.

The call comes after reports that members of the public were visiting the Boots pharmacy in Kilcreggan while showing symptoms of the condition.

The official government advice to people experiencing symptoms of Covid-19 – a new, continuous cough, a fever, or a lost sense of taste or smell – is to self-isolate straight away and to book a test.

You should also stay at home if a member of your household is confirmed as having Covid-19 or begins showing symptoms.

In a statement posted on Facebook on Monday, staff at Kilcreggan Medical Centre said: “Boots Pharmacy in Kilcreggan have experienced customers coming in today either with Covid symptoms, or on behalf of a family member with Covid or are self isolating.

“This has put the staff in the pharmacy potentially at risk, and resulted in the shop having to be closed for cleaning twice already today.

“We know the vast majority are following the ‘rules’ so can we ask you all to help us all by reminding everyone to please stay at home unless absolutely necessary, and if you are feeling unwell, or live with a relative who has Covid, or showing symptoms, then please stay at home.

“Boots staff are a vital part of our community and we need to keep them safe.”

Dr Ken Oates, NHS Highland public health consultant, said: “We must all take action to protect each other and the NHS across Highland and Argyll and Bute.

“Please continue to follow the national guidance on Covid-19, including isolating at home if you feel unwell in any way, and seeking a Covid-19 test.

“Covid-19 will spread rapidly if given the opportunity, especially with the new strain which spreads much more easily.

“We are asking that everyone thinks about the risks that are involved in increasing the number of people you come into contact with, and to please follow the rules to help us in reducing the spread of the virus.”