Warning as new cases of Covid-19 shoot up

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 region becoming one of Scotland’s Covid hotspots.

A number of cases tested positive at Prestwick’s The BUF bar, leading to the venue’s temporary closure last 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.

Vaccine drop-in centres were opened in Troon and Cumnock for anyone aged over 18 to take up the jab amid fears of poor acceptance rates at appointments.

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.”

On Monday there were a further 51 new cases of coronavirus reported in Ayrshire.

South Ayrshire has the third highest infection rate per 100,000 population at 178.5.

East Ayrshire’s infection rate stands at 127.9 and North Ayrshire’s at 77.9.

Of Monday’s new cases in Ayrshire, 26 were from South Ayrshire, 17 were attributed to East Ayrshire and eight to North Ayrshire.

There are 10 patients being treated for the virus in Ayrshire hospitals and fewer than five in ICU.