COVID cases on the up since Christmas Day

The rate of positive COVID cases in the region has continued to increase since Christmas Day.

Figures provided by Public Health Scotland show that between January 1-7 there were 439 new cases in Perth and Kinross.

In that period the seven day positivity rate per 100,000 stood at 288.9, with the percentage rate at 11.1 per cent.

That marks a big increase from the previous seven-day period, December 25-31, which saw 280 new COVID cases with a positivity rate per 100,000 at 184.3 (8.9 per cent).

Among the worst affected areas are Alyth, Auchterarder, Coupar Angus and Meigle, Gannochy and Walnut Grove, and Hillyland, Tulloch and Inveralmond which all recorded at least 16 or more cases.

According to the figures Hillyland, Tulloch and Inveralmond recorded by far the most cases with 73, with the next highest being Coupar Angus and Meigle at 27.

The figure rate for Coupar Angus has garnered much concern in recent days after NHS Tayside confirmed at least 30 positive COVID cases linked to the 2 Sisters Food Group food processing plant, located in Coupar Angus.

An update on the situation was expected yesterday after the PA went to press.

NHS Tayside’s director of public health Dr Emma Fletcher said previously: “Thirty cases of COVID-19 connected to the 2 Sisters food processing plant have now been identified.

“The factory is working closely with NHS Tayside’s public health team and Food Standards Scotland and all arrangements for contact tracing and self-isolation are in place.

“Staff are being given appropriate advice and additional support from their relevant local authority if needed.”

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also revealed yesterday that 163,377 people in Scotland have received their first dose of either the Pfizer or Oxford vaccine.