SOUTH Ayrshire appears to have turned the corner of Omicron as the latest government figures suggest a steep decline in the number of positive cases.

The Advertiser reported last week that there were 1,764 positive test results returned between January 1-7, but the most recent data from Public Health Scotland show a steep decline in the number of positives.

Between January 8-14, there were 537 positive test results returned.

The seven-day moving average number of cases was 76.7 yesterday – the lowest it has been since the beginning of December, before the Omicron wave built up.

As of yesterday, there were 152 patients in hospitals in Ayrshire with a Covid-related illness, up from 122 last week. There were less than five in Intensive Care Units.

Of those aged over 12 in South Ayrshire, 95.7 per cent have received at least one dose of a Covid vaccine, 90.6 per cent have had two, and 74.5 per cent have had three doses.

This week saw the relaxation of Covid restrictions as large outdoor public events such as football matches got the go-ahead.

Restrictions on indoor sports, events and venues remain in place.

Nicola Sturgeon was due to update Holyrood yesterday as to when these will be removed.

She has previously said she is hopeful that the restrictions on indoor events can be lifted on January 24.

And the definition of “fully vaccinated” for the purpose of vaccine passports has changed and now includes having a booster if the second dose was more than four months ago.