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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Stuart Wilson

Public Health Scotland: Covid surge in Ayrshire sees cases soar by 600 per cent in south of county

Health chiefs have issued a Covid warning as a series of outbreaks see case rates soar across Ayrshire.

Schools, business and hospitality venues have all been affected during the last seven days.

South Ayrshire has been worst hit, with the number of cases multiplying by more than 600 per cent in the last week.

The number of cases in the south of the county has shot up from 18 to 115 during that time.

In East Ayrshire, cases have doubled from 33 to 66.

And in North Ayrshire, cases have also risen from 49 to 62.

A number of cases tested positive at Prestwick's The BUF bar, leading to the venue's temporary closure earlier this week.

Anyone visiting the bar between May 22-30 has also been urged to take a Covid test.

Ayr bar/restaurant Ghillie Dhu has also closed in the short-term following a positive case linked to its venue.

Health chiefs yesterday opened an Ayrshire drop-in centre for anyone aged over 18 to take up the vaccine amid fears of poor acceptance rates at appointments.

Queues at the Greenwood Centre where Covid vaccines were being doled out (Julie Richmond/Submitted)

NHS Ayrshire & Arran's director of public health Lynne McNiven said: “There have been a number of outbreaks across Ayrshire, and so our contact tracing team are working hard to ensure all those affected are contacted and advised to self-isolate.

“As a result of the increased cases, Ayrshire will remain under Level Two restrictions. COVID-19 has not gone away and, if we want to see restrictions ease further, it is important that we adhere to the current restriction rules and FACTS.

“But we need your help.

"We all have a role to play in protecting ourselves, our family and friends, and our community.

“The vaccine provides our best way out of the coronavirus pandemic and a return, in time, to the things we’ve all missed.

"So, make sure you get the vaccine when it is offered to you. It is the most important thing you will do this year.

“Testing will help us to identify more cases of the virus and give us all a better chance of stopping it from spreading.

"So, get tested regularly, particularly if you are a key worker and must attend work.

"Even if you have been vaccinated, it is still important that you get tested regularly.

"And if you are advised to self-isolate, make sure you do."

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