The number of positive COVID cases in East Ayrshire has increased again according to the latest statistics.

Public Health Scotland figures show that there were 525 cases between June 27 and July 3, which is an increase of 39 cases from the previous week, after a rise of 210 cases the week before that.

Our seven-day rate per 100,000 of population currently stands at 430.3, the Scottish rate is currently 425.1.

Despite another rise, we are now the fourteenth worst affected council area in the country when it comes to the seven-day rate, after being seventh last week.

However, only one of the 30 neighbourhoods in the area are classed as having suppressed the virus, which means that all have recorded at least three positive tests in the past week.

New Cumnock stands alone in that respect as the only suppressed neighbourhood in the council area.

Doon Valley South and Drongan both recorded four new cases.

Southcraig and Beansburn and Altonhill North and Onthank recorded the most positive cases over this period of time, with 46 each.

As of Tuesday, July 6, 90 per cent of the adult population in East Ayrshire had received the first dose of a vaccine, with 66.4 per cent having both, which is both higher than the Scottish average of 86.8 per cent and 62.4 per cent respectively.

The National Records of Scotland reported that sadly two deaths relating to COVID were recorded in East Ayrshire between June 21 and 27.

Seventeen deaths were registered across the country during this period of time.