Ayrshire Post

Area’s Covid hotspots

- RYAN THOM

Almost 10,000 people across Ayrshire have received their first shot of the Covid vaccine.

Those in the most vulnerable category, along with health and social care workers, are among the 9382 to be innoculate­d during the first month of the rollout.

It comes as Girvan is now the coronaviru­s capital of South Ayrshire. Covid transmissi­on has soared in Prestwick East and Lochside, Braehead and Whitletts areas of Ayr mirroring the case rate of 400+ per 100,000 seen in Girvan.

Council leader Peter Henderson said: “The new strain seems to be transmitti­ng far quicker than we thought and there is evidence to suggest it is spreading in South Ayrshire.”

Girva ni snow the coronaviru­s capital of South Ayrshire.

Concerns are growing as the positive results of Covid- 19 have risen sharply in the town and in the Glendoune area.

Data released by Public Health Scotland show that between January 2 and January 8 the rate of Covid has increased to 400+ per 100,000 in both Girvan Ailsa and Girvan Glendoune.

Covid transmissi­on has also soared in Prestwick East and Lochside, Braehead and Whitletts areas of Ayr mirroring the case rate of 400+ per 100,000 seen in Girvan.

It comes as Ayrshire’s NHS continues to be put under extreme pressure with hospitals running at 96 per cent capacity for Covid patients.

The data reveals that in Girvan Ailsa there were 14 confirmed positive tests in the seven- day period and in Girvan Glendoune there were 20.

A mobile testing unit ( pictured) has been set up in the town for people who are displaying symptoms as the council try to get a grip on soaring infection numbers.

It will be in Girvan until today. The unit was set up at the Quay Zone site in Knockcusha­n Street.

The high rates have sparked a plea from politician­s to stay at home and follow the strict lockdown rules imposed by Nicola Sturgeon last week.

Council L eader Pet e r Henderson, whose ward is Girvan and South Carrick, fears the new more transmissi­ble strain of coronaviru­s is on the rise.

Cllr Henderson told the Post: “People will have to abide by the guidelines and the rules, if we don’t this is going to last much longer. The new strain seems to be transmitti­ng far quicker than we thought, there is evidence to suggest it is spreading in South Ayrshire, the positive cases are a mixture of both.

“When you look at the way it has spread in Dumfries and Galloway it is very concerning to see it on the rise.

“Please try and adhere to the rules as much as possible and limit contact, I know it is not easy and I know it’s not simple.”

MP Allan Dorans for Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock told the Post : “Although we have the prospect of a vaccine soon, we must all do what we can at the moment to prevent the spread of the virus. I would urge everyone to follow the Scottish Government guidelines to stay home. If that is not possible, whenever you leave your home to wear a face covering, avoid crowded places, clean your hands regularly, maintain a two- metre distance, self- isolate and book a test if you have any symptoms.”

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Caution Allan Dorans Concerned Peter Henderson
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