THE number of positive cases of Covid-19 in East Lothian is slowly on the rise again, according to the latest figures.

Recently, the number of positive cases of the virus in the county has been decreasing but, according to data from Public Health Scotland, numbers have seen a slight increase over the past few days.

Between November 17 and 23, 66 positive cases of Covid-19 were recorded in East Lothian, with the county’s seven-day figure per 100,000 of the population being 61.6. Two new cases were recorded yesterday (Wednesday).

In a rare turn of events, the current figures are higher than what they were a week ago.

Seven days ago (November 10-16), the figures were 62 positive cases with a seven-day rate of 57.9.

The figures remain lower than what they were a month ago (October 17-23), when 92 cases were recorded and the seven-day rate was sitting at 85.9.

Despite the slight increase, East Lothian’s figures remain the lowest in the Lothian region but are now the ninth lowest in Scotland.

Edinburgh’s seven-day rate is now sitting at 84.0, Midlothian's at 84.4 and West Lothian's at 157.3.

Data from Public Health Scotland shows that three parts of East Lothian are currently areas of concern, one of which remains Pinkie Braes.

In the seven days up to November 23, Pinkie Braes recorded between one and four cases, giving it a seven-day positive rate per 100,000 of the population of 100 or more.

Added to the list is Wallyford and Whitecraig, which recorded eight cases over the same period, and Haddington North with five cases, giving both a seven-day rate that is also above 100.

Added to the list yesterday but removed today (Thursday) was Tranent South and Musselburgh South; removed yesterday was Prestonpans East.

All have seen a decrease in cases so are no longer areas of concern.

Across Scotland today, 1,225 new cases were reported, with 51 new deaths recorded among those who had previously tested positive.

The latest data from National Records of Scotland, published yesterday, said that in the seven days up to Sunday, 5,380 deaths linked to Covid-19 were recorded in Scotland.

The data says that 244 of those deaths were recorded in the last week, 35 fewer than the week before.

This is the first decrease in the number of deaths in Scotland since the end of September.