West Lothian had more infections in the last week than at any point during the pandemic.
The latest Public Health Scotland data as of June 28 shows that there were 86 new infections in West Lothian.
However the weekly total of 589 new infections significantly tops previous infection records.
It soars above infection levels from throughout last year and even the winter past when West Lothian was the most infectious place in Scotland, with 300-400 per week.
And today’s PHS information also shows that all 37 neighbourhoods in West Lothian have recorded cases of the coronavirus over the past week.
Armadale is the most infectious place in the last seven days, with 25 new infections among their 5662 residents in seven days.
Infection rates throughout Scotland have rocketed in recent days and weeks and Scotland yesterday recorded it’s highest ever daily total.
The First Minister announced this afternoon (June 29) that the new cases are a “cause for concern” but reaffirmed her confidence in the vaccine programme.
She said that although cases have doubled nationally in one week, the current third wave may have already peaked.
Nicola Sturgeon continued: “As we have been saying since the start of the year, we are very much in a race with the virus and the vaccines.
“Our job is to ensure that the vaccine’s stay ahead of the virus. I should be very clear that we are very confident that the vaccines will ultimately win this race.
“The question is what happens between now and then.
“If over the next few weeks the virus gets ahead, unfortunately we will see more people get ill, we will see more people die, we will see significantly more pressure on our National Health Service than would be the case if we managed to keep the vaccines ahead of the virus.”
Nicola Sturgeon says the programme is stopping people becoming seriously ill and 80 per cent of new infections are among people under 44 years-old.
The First Minister urged people to do as much as possible to stop virus transmission whilst the vaccination programme reaches its final stages.
Ms Sturgeon said she remains hopeful of moving West Lothian and the rest of Scotland down to Level Zero in July, and then to end restrictions completely in August.
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