COVID cases triple in the past two weeks
The COVID-19 infection rate in Perth and Kinross has more than tripled over the past two weeks.
It comes as the World Health Organisation data shows Tayside has become the COVID capital of Europe with the current highest rates of infection.
According to Public Health Scotland, Perth and Kinross’s seven day positivity rate currently sits at 496.2 per 100,000 in the week ending July 1.
Figures from the week prior show that the region was already recording its highest ever coronavirus rate of infection at 315.2, with the number at 159.3 the week before that.
The latest readings also show that the proportion of positive tests has gone up to 10.6 per cent - two per cent higher than the previous week.
It comes after a huge increase in cases across the region, with 754 recorded in the week up to July 1, a rise of 278 from the week ending June 25.
Twenty-two neighbourhoods in Perth and Kinross have been marked by Public Health Scotland under its highest infection rate category.
The North Muirton and Old Scone area has the highest seven-day infection rate in the whole region at 987.3 per 100,000 in the week ending July 1, recording 31 new cases.
Errol and Inchture has the next highest count at 968.4, with the Viewlands, Craigie and Wellshills area reading at 900.1.
Every part of Perth and Kinross is now recording an infection rate with the hotspot areas in and around Perth, as well as the Carse of Gowrie, Kinross-shire, Almond and Earn and Strathallan.
Other areas with infection rates above 400 per 100,000 include: Aberuthven and Almondbank; Auchterarder; Bridge of Earn and Abernethy; Burghmuir and Oakbank; Central Perth and South Inch; Glenfarg, Dunning and Rhynd; Guildtown, Balbeggie and St Madoes; Hillyland, Tulloch and Inveralmond; Invergowrie, Longforgan and Abernyte; Kinross; Letham; Luncarty and Dunkeld;
Milnathort and Crook of Devon; Moncreiffe and Friarton; Muthill, Greenloaning and Gleneagles; North Inch; Powmill, Cleish and Scotlandwell; Scone; and Stanley and Murthly.
A plea has now been issued to Tayside residents to help ease the pressure on health and care services in the region amidst the surge.
Operational medical director at NHS Tayside Dr Pamela Johnston said that 36 patients are currently in hospital being treated for the virus, with some in intensive care, and that number is expected to rise in the coming weeks.
Johnston said: “What is different for the hospital in this latest spike, and more so than at the start of the year, is that there is more emergency surgical and medical activity happening.
“We also have a number of staff selfisolating.
“All of these things together mean that all of our health and care services in Tayside are under increasing strain from this demand.
“I know everyone is really fed up of living with restrictions and wants to enjoy the summer, but we really need your support to get the number of new cases down.”
She added: “Please, on behalf of all of our teams here in hospital and out in our communities, can I ask all of you to keep following the FACTS guidance, wear a face mask, avoid crowded spaces, clean your hands regularly, stay two metres distance from others and self-isolate if you develop symptoms and book a test.
“Test yourself regularly to make sure you are not passing on the virus to your friends and family – it has never been easier to get tested, so please make it part of your routine.
“It is also very important that everyone gets both doses of the vaccine when they are offered for maximum protection against the virus.
“Drop-in clinics are now running for everyone over the age of 18, so please get jabbed.”