East Lothian politicians reacts to county's 'worrying' Covid-19 statistics which are highest in Scotland

East Lothian politicians have reacted to the latest figures and are calling on residents to stay safe and follow the guidance.

The statistics reported by Public Health Scotland yesterday (Thursday) showed that, between June 15 and 21, East Lothian recorded 419 positive Covid-19 cases - a seven-day positive rate per 100,000 people of 391.3. The test positivity rate is 8.8 per cent.

The Scottish local authority with the second highest seven-day positive rate per 100,000 people, for the seven days to June 21, is Dundee City at 381.1. Edinburgh is next highest at 336, followed by Midlothian (301). Glasgow's infection rate is close to half of East Lothian's, at 214 per 100,000 people.

Kenny MacAskill, East Lothian’s MP, said: “It is deeply disappointing and worrying. It shows the virulence of these new variants and the risks that many are taking. It may have been the football but we’ve got to learn.

“The risks to individuals remains even for younger people and the collective harm to the health service is a real threat. Hopefully, caution will be restored and the county can return to being one of the best performing areas.”

SEE MORE: Covid-19: East Lothian posts highest virus rate in Scotland

Paul McLennan, East Lothian MSP, said: “These are very worrying stats. The last thing we need in East Lothian is to risk losing the progress we have made.

“We should all be doing everything we can to make sure that we can turn this around and get back towards lowering cases.

“Voluntary lateral flow testing is still available free to all via NHS Scotland online, there are mobile testing units across the county every day, and test kits can also be picked up from some pharmacies.

“In addition I urge everyone to take up the vaccine when offered. Vaccines and testing are our route out of this, but we can also help to stem this worrying trend in East Lothian by reducing our contacts where possible, staying local and continuing to observe government guidance on social distancing, mask wearing and good hygiene.”

Norman Hampshire, depute leader of East Lothian Council, said: “While good progress continues to be made with the vaccination programme, Covid-19 does still present a risk to health and the recent increase in the number of positive cases shows there can be no complacency.

“It’s vital that our residents continue to follow national health advice, including remembering ‘FACTS’, and get tested regularly – even if they have no symptoms.

“Almost one in three people who have the virus don’t show any of the usual symptoms and so could be passing it on without knowing. So getting tested can help stop the spread.

“People can get tested or collect a kit from the former Stoneyhill Community Centre in Musselburgh, visit a mobile test unit, order online or collect from a community pharmacy. In the next week the mobile test units will be in Dunbar, Port Seton, Tranent, Haddington and Whitecraig. More information is on the Council website.”

SEE MORE: Booking Covid-19 tests in East Lothian over the next week - Where to go

Dona Milne, director of public health at NHS Lothian, said: “We know it’s the start of the school summer holidays, and everyone wants to be out having fun. However, the recent rises in Covid-19 infections we have seen across Lothian and other areas of Scotland shows that Covid-19 is still prevalent across our communities and we need everyone to do their bit to stop the spread of the virus.

“The reality is we need everyone to continue to stick to the public health advice around social distancing, come forward for vaccination when called and engage in community testing in their local area. By undertaking these measures, we can keep ourselves and others safer.

“Covid-19 is a serious and unpredictable illness. You may not believe that the virus could impact you, but I would urge you all to stop and think - your actions could pass Covid-19 on to your colleagues, family or friends and put someone at serious risk.”

Martin Whitfield, MSP for South Scotland, said: “Clearly, after all the hard work that’s been undertaken locally to suppress the virus over the last 15 months, it’s disappointing that East Lothian now has the highest infection rate in Scotland.

“This is a trend we need to reverse as quickly as possible as we know the new Delta variant can spread much more rapidly.

“While the vaccination programme now means higher infection, rates are no longer resulting in such high numbers of hospitalisations and deaths. Covid can still be devastating to some of those who contract it.

“That’s why we must redouble efforts to observe the public health guidance to limit further transmission of the virus as far as possible. The next few weeks are crucial to ensuring we can get everyone vaccinated and end the restrictions to restore the freedom we all desire.”

Pictured above is the latest coronavirus statistics for East Lothian from Public Health Scotland (in the blue box at the top of the image). Also pictured are the parts of the county that are areas of concern. The darker the colour, the higher the seven-day positive rate (per 100,000 people) and therefore the higher the level of concern.

Craig Hoy, who is also an MSP for South Scotland, said: “East Lothian’s Covid numbers remain a concern and highlight the need for the vaccine roll out to continue at speed.

“The numbers also underline the need for routine testing and for people to follow the guidance and to self-isolate when required to do so.

“I would encourage people to make sure they get both vaccinations and to get into the habit of routine testing so life can be as close to normal over the summer period.”