South Ayrshire’s council leader has appealed for residents to keep following Covid rules as a neighbouring local authority records the highest virus rate in Scotland.
North Ayrshire hit the highest weekly coronavirus rate in the country according to the latest Public Health Scotland figures today.
There were 195 positive tests per 100,000 people between December 8 and December 14 in the area - compared to 119 in South Ayrshire.
North Ayrshire remained in Level 3 restrictions on November 20 while the two other local authorities in the county plunged to Tier 4.
Councillor Peter Henderson pointed out how the whole of Ayrshire shares hospitals and the Covid surge in the adjacent local authority is a concern.
The SNP politician said: “People say Ayrshire ICU departments are not full at the minute but what if there is a major accident? There are also other diseases as well as Covid that must be treated. When cases go up in North and East Ayrshire - that affects everyone.”
The number of Covid-19 patients in Ayrshire intensive care units has been fewer than five since November 24. But Scottish Government figures published today show 115 people with the virus are being treated in Ayrshire hospitals currently.
East Ayrshire has the fourth highest weekly coronavirus rate in the country sitting at 168 positive tests per 100,000 people between December 8 and 14.
Councillor Henderson added: “We have to stick to the rules. The vaccine is not the panacea as that won’t be fully rolled out until the summer.
“I know it is nearly Christmas and people want to get together but we could suffer in January if people don’t follow the rules. “
Ayr town centre has been busy with people shopping and eating out locally since South Ayrshire moved to Level 3.
The council has introduced free parking for December to boost local trade.
