Health chiefs in Ayrshire have issued a plea for the public's support as outbreaks of Covid took the region into Europe's top 10 worst hotspots.
Track and trace teams are working hard to contain several outbreaks across the health board over the past 14 days as Ayrshire's case rate of coronavirus surges.
It comes as a number of restaurants take the decision to pull the shutters down to allow staff struck by the virus to self-isolate and reduce the spread.
NHS Ayrshire & Arran's assistant public health chief is now urging the public to help support teams to prevent family, friends or loved ones from falling unwell.
Lisa Davidson has asked the public to continue to follow rules after one Covid survivor suggested complacency in the fight against COVID-19 had crept in.
Ayrshire's rate of 602 per 100,000 ranked it the 10th highest in Europe as of Monday, July 5.
Fears began to grow that the rise in cases could put a dent to 'Freedom Day' plans in August or Level 0 being introduced on July 19.
Ms Davidson said: "There have been a number of outbreaks across Ayrshire and Arran and NHS Ayrshire & Arran health protection team have seen a rise in the number of positive cases of coronavirus (Covid-19) over recent weeks.
"Our contact tracing team are working hard to ensure all those affected are contacted and advised to self-isolate.
"But we need your help. We all have a role to play in protecting ourselves, our family and friends, and our community. We need to make sure we are all following the Scottish Government guidance. By following the guidance and reducing our day-to-day contact with other people, we will reduce the spread of the infection.
"If we don’t follow the guidance, there is a significant risk that we could make our family, friends and other close contacts unwell."
The Ayrshire public health expert has reiterated the importance of the vaccine in the fight against coronavirus with the presence of more transmissible variants making it even more essential for people to roll up their sleeves.
Ms Davidson added: "The vaccine offers the best protection against coronavirus (Covid-19) and NHS Ayrshire & Arran wants to see as many people as possible come forward when they are invited."
"With the rising numbers of local cases and the presence of variants that are likely to be more transmissible, it is important you take the chance to get your vaccine. If you’ve been invited previously and not attended, for whatever reason, you can still come along to get a first dose or a second dose if you were vaccinated 56 days ago or more.
"Regardless of your vaccination status, people living in Ayrshire and Arran are reminded to follow the current guidelines and FACTS to help stop the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19) in our communities."
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