The prevalence of Covid-19 in East Ayrshire has increased slightly, meaning we have taken a small backwards step in our fight against the virus, as the numbers go up, after weeks of decline.

The latest Public Health Scotland (PHS) data show that there were 492 positive tests returned between October 2-8.

That’s an increase from 464 the previous week, but still considerably lower than the case-rate in September when the weekly total peaked just below 1,000 cases.

However, we are now feeling the effects of that record-high case-rate, with more people dying from Covid-19 in East Ayrshire than at any point since early February.

According to National Records of Scotland statistics, 10 people from East Ayrshire died where Covid was mentioned on their death certificate in their most recent recording period, September 2 to October 3.

The current weekly case-rate gives us a seven-day rate per 100,000 of population of 404.6, the fourth highest in the country.

The vaccination programme in East Ayrshire has moved onto those aged 12-15-years-old and already nearly half of 12-15-year-olds have received their first dose of a Covid vaccine.

PHS figures show 37.2 per cent of 12-15-year-olds have received a first dose of a Covid vaccine.

And 77.7 per cent of 16-17-year-olds have received at least one dose, with 13.3 per cent of those having received two.

The number of deaths from all causes registered in Scotland in last week was 1,242, which is 196, or 19 per cent, more than the five year average according the NRS.