Drop in positive Covid-19 cases

The number of people testing positive for Covid-19 in Renfrewshire has fallen for the first time in four weeks.

A total of 58 people have been diagnosed with coronavirus in the week to September 30, as the authorities suggest restrictions imposed to slow the spread of the virus are finally starting to work.

The weekly total of new cases has fallen by 18 when compared to the previous week and has also reduced from the 69 new cases recorded in the first seven days of September.

The news comes as First Minister Nicola Sturgeon revealed she is holding meetings with experts today about the possibility of introducing a called “circuit breaker”across the country which involve much stricter restrictions over a short period of time.

In Renfrewshire, family members of the close contact have been allowed to return to school and work since Wednesday.

The change brings the local authority area back into line with the rest of Scotland.

A spokesperson for the Scottish Government said:“There are encouraging signs from the number of cases reported locally that suggest the measures introduced in Renfrewshire are having their intended effect.

“The National Incident Management Team continues to monitor data relating to local outbreaks closely, and all restrictions are kept under regular review to ensure that they are

There are encouraging signs that measures introduced in Renfrewshire are having an effect

proportionate to local conditions, and their intended effect.”

News the virus is slowing in Renfrewshire comes two weeks after another person died of the disease.

The Express reported last week how the region suffered its 207th casualty of the pandemic, with the person having passed away of Covid-19 on September 20.

Meanwhile, the hike in coronavirus cases throughout September has seen a small increase in covid admissions at the Royal Alexandra Hospital.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has confirmed the Paisley hospital has retained one ward dedicated to treating Covid-19 patients, but said contingency plans are in place to up-scale provision should it be needed throughout winter.

Health bosses are continuing to remind all those experiencing symptoms of Covid-19 to self isolate with their entire household until and to requests a test.

The symptoms include a high temperature, a new continuous cough and a loss or change to smell or taste.