RENFREWSHIRE is continuing to pay tribute to its wonderful medical staff as they tackle the coronavirus pandemic.

Messages of support for doctors, nurses, carers and everyone doing their bit for others have poured in from readers of The Gazette during recent weeks.

And eight-year-old Sophie Gibson, together with her dog Charlie, found their own way to say thanks.

The Paisley pair wrote “thank you, stay safe” outside the town’s Royal Alexandra Hospital while out for their daily exercise at the weekend.

Meanwhile, a Renfrewshire man has warned people to take Covid-19 seriously after he fell ill in Edinburgh over the weekend.

Calum Wishart, 25, had been fit and healthy before he was struck down by the virus.

He said the tell-tale symptoms are fever, coughing fits, vomiting and diarrhoea.

The Paisley man added: “Everyone needs to do their part and start taking this seriously.

The Gazette: This message from RAH staff went viral last month This message from RAH staff went viral last month

“I don’t care how boring you think self-isolation is, I can guarantee it’s a million times better than this.

“I don’t think I would have survived without the oxygen the hospital have been able to give me.”

It was confirmed yesterday that a further 13 people have died from Covid-19 in Scotland.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon spoke of her sadness as the death toll across the country rose to 60.

The number of positive cases of coronavirus in the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde area also continues to rise.

New figures released by the Scottish Government at 2pm yesterday show the health board’s Covid-19 numbers increased from 449 to 547 overnight. In total, 1,993 people in Scotland have tested positive for the virus.

Ms Sturgeon said: “I extend my condolences to everyone who has lost loved ones and express my deep appreciation to everyone working in our health sector.”