A “significant” outbreak of Covid in Helensburgh and Garelochhead has affected schools and forced businesses to close.

NHS Highland – which covers the town – has reported the number of those infected in Argyll and Bute in the first two weeks of June is double the figure for the whole of May.

And in one day last week, an additional 32 cases were reported across the Argyll and Bute area with Helensburgh being one of the main hotspots.

The health board is warning people in the area to cut down on their contacts as a result and access testing whether they have symptoms or not.

A warning earlier in the week expressed concern over a “marked” increase of coronavirus in Helensburgh and Oban but the situation escalated just days later.

Dr Tim Allison, Director of Public Health with NHS Highland, said: “This is a significant situation and we expect the case numbers to rise further. Please continue to follow all guidance from NHS Highland’s contact tracing team. If you have been identified as a close contact, please self-isolate and get a PCR test. If you are identified as a close contact and your test is negative you must continue to isolate for 10 days as advised.

Dr Allison added: “I would also like to take the opportunity to thank the communities for their engagement and for taking action to try to contain the outbreaks.”

A statement released through NHS Highland said: “We would advise that people in these communities try to minimise contact with others to limit any further spread and access PCR testing in order to try to contain the outbreaks.

“There are community testing sites in Oban and Helensburgh and available through appointment to everyone, whether you have symptoms or not.”

To book an appointment, you can contact NHS Inform online or by calling 0800 028 2816. When booking you should select the option “I have been asked to book by my local council or health protection team” which will allow you to get tested even if you don’t have symptoms. Postal PCR kits are also available through NHS Inform.

The typical symptoms of Covid are a new continuous cough, a high temperature or fever and a loss of, or change in, normal taste or smell (anosmia). However, people can present with a wide range of symptoms including headache, sore muscles and joints, tiredness, sore throat, cold-like symptoms and diarrhoea and vomiting. Anyone that becomes unwell should isolate immediately and seek a PCR test.

More information on self-isolation support is available from ready.scot/coronavirus/get-help

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