HOUSE parties are continuing in Ayrshire with recent cases of coronavirus linked back to social gatherings despite new guidelines.

NHS Ayrshire and Arran issued a message last week, urging people to stick to the latest guidelines.

The health board have warned those attending social gatherings are putting their family, friends and other close contacts at risk and could see Ayrshire facing tougher restrictions.

NHS Ayrshire & Arran Director of Public Health Lynne McNiven said: “We are at a crucial time locally for controlling the spread of COVID-19. The information we are getting through the contact tracing exercises being carried out by our local Test and Protect team shows that the virus is being given a chance to spread at social gatherings.

“If any one of us breaches this guidance, there is a significant risk that we could make our family, friends and other close contacts unwell.”

Chief Superintendent Faroque Hussain, Ayrshire’s Divisional Commander, said:“The majority of people have been complying with the law but we will use the powers we have to disperse parties which breach the regulations and will enforce where necessary.”