West Lothian tops Public Health Scotland Covid…

West Lothian tops Public Health Scotland Covid infection rate table as 1,760 new cases recorded

A further 1,760 new cases of coronavirus have been reported in Scotland in the last 24 hours – including 119 in Ayrshire.

Latest data published by the Scottish Government and Public Health Scotland shows there are 1,001 Covid patients in Scottish hospitals – up 18 from Friday.

The number of people battling the virus in ICUs across the nation is 67 – up two over the same period.

There are currently 132 Covid patients in Ayrshire hospitals – down three from Friday. Seven people are being treated for the disease in intensive care.

No new deaths from the virus have been reported in the last 24 hours meaning Scotland's death toll remains at 8,666.

However, 10,991 deaths have been registered in Scotland where Covid was mentioned on the death certificate up to Sunday, September 26.

In terms of Public Health Scotland's rolling seven-day infection rate per 100,000 population, West Lothian has the highest rate in the country – at 478.2 as of Thursday, September 28.

North Lanarkshire has the second-highest infection rate at 434.7 while South Ayrshire is third with 418.2.

In terms of Ayrshire's remaining local authorities, North Ayrshire has a rate of 405.2 while East Ayrshire's is 386.5.

Of the 119 new cases reported in Ayrshire, 58 were in East Ayrshire, 40 in North Ayrshire and 21 in South Ayrshire.