EAST Lothian has on average more cases of coronavirus per 100,000 than two Scottish council areas that are currently under a local lockdown, new statistics have revealed.

Of the 10 Scottish council areas mentioned in the list from the BBC, East Lothian features sixth with an average of 40.2 cases per 100,000 people.

This number puts East Lothian in front of Renfrewshire and East Dunbartonshire, which reported numbers of 37.4 and 34.1 respectively, both of which are currently under local lockdown restrictions due to the high increase in cases there.

As of today (Friday), East Lothian reported six new positive cases, bringing the county’s total to 354.

This new data comes after NHS Lothian made a public plea and asked all Lothian residents to follow the latest guidance to help keep the area out of lockdown.

The plea also comes ahead of the Edinburgh holiday weekend, with good weather forecast.

NHS Lothian recognised that a majority of the public wanted to do the right thing when it came to Covid-19 but, with different guidance emerging in different places across the UK, it acknowledged that it was easy to become confused.

Dr Duncan McCormick, consultant in public health at NHS Lothian, said: “Covid-19 isn’t going away anytime soon, and while I know people may be growing weary hearing about it, it is critical that we all still play our part in helping to stop the spread of the virus.

“Using common sense and following the guidance is critical to this.”

It's asking the public to limit the number of people they meet. Current regulations state that no more than six people from a maximum of two households can meet at any one time, both indoors and outdoors.

People are asked to observe social distancing when meeting others from different households. This does not include children under 12, who are not included in the six-people count and do not need to socially distance.

Those who cannot stay two metres apart, are on public transport or are in an indoor public place are asked to wear a face covering if they are able.

In one day, people should not meet up with more than four other households.

Those who arrive somewhere and find it is already very busy are asked to consider going elsewhere.

NHS Lothian adds that handwashing is still vital and people should wash their hands for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitiser.

People should avoid touching their eye, nose and mouth with unwashed hands and are asked to download the Protect Scotland App, which will alert someone if they have been in close contact with another app user who has tested positive.

Dr McCormick added: “The guidelines mean that activities like pub crawls, house parties and big meet-ups at the park or the beach should not be happening at this time.

“I know it’s frustrating not being able to socialise like we used to, but we all need to do our bit.

"Across Lothian, we are seeing Covid cases rise and if we don’t act now, the situation could easily get out of hand.

"The reality is that unless we adhere to the rules more rigorously, we could soon be faced with tighter restrictions and even a further lockdown.

“Covid is serious, it is unpredictable and it can be deadly. For younger, healthier people you might not think that Covid could impact you, but I would urge you all to stop and think – through your actions you could risk passing Covid on to your family or friends.”

Those who develop symptoms, a high fever, persistent cough or loss of taste or smell, are asked to self-isolate and order a test through nhsinform.scot

People should get tested within the first three days of symptoms appearing.

More information on coronavirus can be found at nhsinform.scot