First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will tomorrow announce any changes to the local authority Covid-19 protection levels - as cases of the virus show no sign of slowing in East Lothian.
On November 24, the county was moved to Level 2 restrictions - which allowed the hospitality trade to serve alcohol indoors with main meals and outdoors too - following weeks of low Covid-19 infection rates.
There were 47 positive coronavirus cases detected in East Lothian for the seven days between November 24 and November 30 (see bottom map) - that has now risen to 135 (see map, below) in the latest figures released today by Public Health Scotland, covering the period December 5-11.
The seven-day Covid-19 positive rate per 100,000 population was then (Nov 24-30) 43.9 - now (Dec 5-11) it stands at 126.1, which is the highest of all Level 2 local authorities, and higher than current Level 3 areas West Dumbartonshire, Stirling, East Dumbartonshire, Perth & Kinross, City of Edinburgh, South Ayrshire and West Lothian.
Covid infection rates are significantly highest in the west of the county, with Musselburgh South (13 cases; population 4,594)), Musselburgh West (6 cases; pop. 2947), Prestonpans West (16 cases; pop 5,666) and Tranent North (15 cases, pop 6,827) the current hotspots as each has a seven-day positive rate per 100,000 of between 200 and 399.
Seven-day rates of between 100 and 199 - again per 100,000 population - are being experienced in Cockenzie (10 cases; pop. 5,694); Musselburgh East (8 cases; pop. 4,789); Musselburgh North (5 cases; pop 4,865); Ormiston (4 cases; pop. 2,968); Prestonpans East (8 cases; pop.4,284); Tranent South (11 cases; pop. 6,023) and Wallyford/Whitecraig (12 cases; pop. 6,902).
In contrast, the Haddington, Dunbar, East Linton and Gifford areas have much fewer cases proportionally while the Gullane and North Berwick areas have only a couple of cases.
Health chiefs have been reluctant to apportion 'blame' to any particular groups of people though non-essential travel between East Lothian and Edinburgh - which is against the law - is a concern, potentially driven, in some cases, by non-county residents wishing to drink alcohol in pubs and restaurants when they cannot do so in their own areas.
Outbreaks at schools are also being closely monitored; all S5s and S6s at Musselburgh Grammar School are, for instance, still working from home following cases at the school.
Any changes to the Covid protection levels will likely come into force on Friday and last for about three weeks - covering all of the Christmas and New Year period - as the next review is not scheduled until January 5.
If East Lothian is moved to Level 3, alcohol will not be allowed to be served in pubs and restaurants.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel