West Lothian continues to have the highest seven-day positive rate of Covid-19 in Scotland.
The county has recorded a rate of 998.3 cases per 100,000 population for the second week running. This compares to the Scottish average of 665.1.
As of December 17, 1835 new cases were recorded.
The most infectious area by far was Bathgate, Wester Inch and Inchcross with 119 new cases.
After that is East Calder with 76 and West Calder and Polbeth with 66 new cases.
And up to that date, 145,969 vaccine first doses (79.72 per cent of people in West Lothian) were administered, 132,998 second (72.73 per cent) and 78,941 third doses 43.116 per cent) were handed out.
The statistics come as First Minister Nicola Sturgeon today confirmed that no changes will be made to plans for Christmas.
She told MSPs: “We are not changing the advice for Christmas that I set out last week.
“It is important that with just a few days to go, there is certainty about family gatherings on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.”
She also said schools in Scotland will open again as normal following the Christmas holidays.
But she also announced that pubs and restaurants must reintroduce social distancing and only serve customers at tables to help limit the spread of Omicron and football matches will be capped at 500 people from December 26.
For indoor standing events, 100 people will be allowed. Indoor seated events will only be allowed 200 and outdoor 500, for three weeks from Boxing Day.
MSPs will also be recalled on December 29 for an unscheduled covid statement by the Scottish Government as the First Minister urged people to get a test before gathering around Christmas.
She said: “Make sure everyone does a test shortly before getting together. Anyone who tests positive should not mix with others. And given how infectious Omicron is, you should assume that if one member of a household is positive, the others are likely to be so too.
“Follow hygiene advice and keep windows open.”
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