THE number of positive cases of Covid-19 in East Lothian has decreased for the first time this week, according to the latest figures.

So far this week, data from Public Health Scotland has shown the number of positive cases of the virus in the county has been slightly increasing.

However, today’s data has shown a marginal decrease.

Between November 18 and 24, 61 positive cases of Covid-19 were recorded in East Lothian, with the county’s seven-day figure per 100,000 of the population being 57.0. One new case was recorded yesterday (Thursday).

These figures are lower than the 67 cases and seven-day rate of 62.6 which the county was at yesterday (Thursday).

However, despite this recent decrease, the current figures remain slightly higher than what they were a week ago.

Seven days ago (November 11-17), there were 59 positive cases recorded and the seven-day rate was 55.1.

Nevertheless, the figures remain considerably lower than what they were a month ago (October 18-24), when 94 cases were recorded and the seven-day rate was sitting at 87.8.

East Lothian’s figures remain the lowest in the Lothian region and the ninth lowest in Scotland.

Edinburgh’s seven-day rate is now sitting at 85.2, Midlothian's at 93.0 and West Lothian's at 138.7.

Data from Public Health Scotland shows that only one part of East Lothian is currently an area of concern.

In the seven days up to November 24, Wallyford and Whitecraig recorded seven cases, giving it a seven-day positive rate per 100,000 of the population of 100 or more.

Removed from the list today (Friday) were Pinkie Braes and Haddington North; both have seen a decrease in cases so are no longer areas of concern.

Across Scotland today, 969 new cases were reported, 121 of which were in the Lothian healthboard area, with 37 new deaths recorded among those who had previously tested positive.