PEOPLE in Helensburgh have been warned that they still have to "take personal responsibility" to protect themselves, and other people who are older or vulnerable, from the coronavirus.

The call comes from Caroline Cherry, the chair of the Argyll and Bute Care Home Task Force group, as the First Minister says she is "very hopeful" that lockdown restrictions in Scotland can be eased further from June 18.

Nicola Sturgeon said at her daily coronavirus briefing on Thursday that the R number – which measures how many people an infected person passes Covid-19 on to – is estimated to have been between 0.6 and 0.8 as of Friday, June 5.

But despite the more optimistic outlook, which could see at least some elements in 'phase two' of Scotland's route map out of lockdown eased from next week, Ms Cherry said it was still vital for people to stay cautious.

She said: “We would like to remind people in Argyll and Bute of the Scottish Government messages about coronavirus, and we’re are asking them to remain cautious and vigilant about the risk of spreading infection.

READ MORE: Four residents die after testing positive for Covid-19 at Helensburgh care home

“We understand this has been a very challenging time for residents, their families and friends.

"With lockdown rules slowly easing, it is now even more important for everyone to follow the national guidance and take personal responsibility to protect themselves and all our vulnerable and older people from the virus.

“The whole community needs to keep thinking about their everyday actions and recognise the consequences that their own activities can have for vulnerable people, care home residents and staff.

"By following the rules, they will help to minimise the risk of infection across our communities.”

The care home task force is working with Argyll and Bute's health and social care partnership to protect vulnerable and older people – and in particular to improve the safety and wellbeing of care home residents and staff during the pandemic.

READ MORE: Helensburgh woman describes 'heartbreak' of Covid-19 fight in care home

Scottish Government guidance says that in order to protect yourself and others, you should:

- Stay home

- Stay at least two metres away from other people

- Wash your hands regularly and as soon as you get home

- Travel no more than five miles from your home for outdoor exercise.

More information on all of the guidance is available at www.nhsinform.scot.

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