MORE than 130,000 Covid-19 testing kits have been handed out at locations across Stirling and Clackmannanshire over the past two months.

The figures show the incredible response of Forth Valley residents in the wake of mitigation measures put in place over the festive period, which included the message to increase self-testing as a way to thwart the spread of Omicron.

While many of the measures have now been lifted, people are still being asked to take lateral flow tests before meeting others.

The Community Asymptomatic Teams will continue to provide Lateral Flow Device (LFD) testing kits at different locations around Stirling and Clackmannanshire on a daily basis, targeting higher footfall areas and harder to reach communities.

Cllr Ellen Forson, leader of Clackmannanshire Council, said: "Even with the recent easing of restrictions, testing remains an incredibly effective way we can suppress the virus. By picking up kits to take home, residents can find out if they are positive and take immediate action to stop the spread of the virus to others.

"We have come too far to become complacent now and many of us in Stirling and Clackmannanshire will have experienced the virus within our families so, please, continue to test yourself regularly and help protect everyone in our communities."

Cllr Scott Farmer, Stirling Council Leader, added: "Winter has been a testing period for all of us and I applaud the incredible efforts of our testing teams, and the excellent response of our communities, in doing their part to limit the spread of Omicron through regular testing."

Residents who do not currently have any symptoms of Covid-19 can continue to test themselves by picking up testing kits from the community coronavirus mobile units to take home in a pack of seven.

Details of where and when the mobile unit is available can be found on www.clacks.gov.uk and www.stirling.gov.uk

The testing kits handed out by the community coronavirus mobile units are only for people without symptoms.

Anyone with Covid-19 symptoms should book a test via nhsinform.scot or by calling 0800 028 2816.