The number of weekly COVID cases in South Ayrshire has increased by nearly 600 per cent.

Last week we reported how there were just 15 cases recorded, the weekly total now stands at 87 (May 22-28), according to Public Health Scotland.

That gives us a seven day rate per 100,000 of population of 76.4, the eighth worst of any council area in Scotland. It would see us in level three of the Scottish Government’s restrictions system based on the category thresholds they published earlier this year.

The whole country was due to be moving into level one next week, it’s not yet clear if this will be the case given the rise in case numbers.

The new Health Secretary, Humza Yousaf said yesterday that this may not be possible for areas where COVID cases are giving “cause for concern”.

He said: “It may not be the entire country moving to level one.

“I think people would understand where there are rising case numbers, where there is rising test positivity...it may be the case that parts of the country move to level one but actually other parts of the country we decide to keep in level two.”

However, he added that other metrics may be used to decide what level an area should be in. In East Renfrewshire recently they had a high seven day rate per 100,000, as high as Glasgow’s, but avoided having to stay in level three because their total number of cases was far lower.

Hospitalisations and serious illness will be monitored too, but it’s hoped that vaccination will mean that they remain low. First doses in South Ayrshire: 78.2 per cent. Second doses: 54 per cent.

Lisa Davidson, the Assistant Director of Public Health with NHS ayrshire and Arran issued the following statement in relation the rising case numbers in South Ayrshire: "NHS Ayrshire & Arran Health Protection Team is aware of a recent increase in the number of positive coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in the South Ayrshire council area.

"As we are seeing from other areas of the country, COVID-19 has not gone away.  We need to make sure we are all following the Scottish Government guidance. If we don’t follow the guidance, there is a significant risk that we could make our family, friends and other close contacts unwell.  By reducing our day-to-day contact with other people, we will reduce the spread of the infection.

"In some cases at the moment, we recommend that all close contacts and household contacts self-isolate at home for 10 days and book a test ideally within 3 to 5 days of the last contact with the confirmed positive case. The test should be a PCR test only, accessible by calling 119 or visiting www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test. 

"It is important that anyone identified as a close contact of a confirmed COVID-19 case (or a household member of a close contact) will still need to self-isolate for 10 days, regardless of the result of any test.

"For more information on asymptomatic testing and mobile testing units near you please visit www.nhsaaa.net/coronavirus-covid-19/testing/

"The local vaccination programme continues to invite Ayrshire residents forward for their COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine offers the best level of protection against the virus and we encourage everyone to take the opportunity when it’s their turn. At the moment the 30 to 39 year old age group are being welcomed to appointments at locations around Ayrshire. If you are aged 40 or over and have not received your vaccine appointment for your first dose please call 0800 030 8013 available 8am - 8pm, 7 days a week.

"We would like to remind people of the symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19): new persistent cough; high temperature; and / or loss of taste and smell. Anyone who develops any of these symptoms should book a test and self-isolate immediately.

"Please be aware as restrictions ease and regardless of vaccination status, it is more important than ever that everyone in Ayrshire and Arran remembers the FACTS guidance:

F – Face coverings. These should be used in shops and on public transport (buses, trains and taxis)

A – Avoid crowded places.

C – Clean your hands frequently, using water & soap whenever possible.

T – Two metres – observe physical distancing.

S – Self-isolate and book a test if you are suffering from COVID-19 symptoms."