South Ayrshire is currently the worst affected council area for COVID when measured as cases per 100,000 of population.

The measurement, which has been used to categorise local authority areas into levels, shows that South Ayrshire now has a worse rate than even Glasgow City.

There have been 193 cases in the most recent seven day period recorded by Public Health Scotland, which translates as 171.4 per 100,000 of population.

Ayr Advertiser: Source: Public Health Scotland.Source: Public Health Scotland.

Earlier this year, a seven-day rate that high would have seen us placed in level four, but currently, the Scottish Government is looking at more factors when determining which level a council area should be in, such as hospitalisations and ICU admissions.

Over the weekend there was a pop-up vaccine clinic in Troon where walk-ins were welcomed, in an attempt to keep the virus at bay.

Last week NHS Ayrshire and Arran issued a plea to the people of Ayrshire to continue abiding by the rules following a surge in positive tests, Director of Public Health, Lynne McNiven, said: “The past 16 months has been extremely difficult for everyone, and we are all desperate to get back to the things we love.

"However, while there is light at the end of the tunnel and restrictions are starting to ease, it is extremely important that we stick with it, and continue to follow the guidelines.

“There have been a number of outbreaks across Ayrshire, and so our contact tracing team are working hard to ensure all those affected are contacted and advised to self-isolate.

“As a result of the increased cases, Ayrshire will remain under level two restrictions. COVID-19 has not gone away and, if we want to see restrictions ease further, it is important that we adhere to the current restriction rules and FACTS.

“But we need your help. We all have a role to play in protecting ourselves, our family and friends, and our community.