THE latest coronavirus figures show that the number of positive cases in East Lothian is just under that from the end of September, with Prestonpans West and East appearing at both ends of the scale – one an area of concern and the other recording zero positive Covid-19 cases.

Recent data from Public Health Scotland has shown the number of positive cases of the virus in the county has once again decreased.

Between November 24 and 30, 45 positive cases were recorded in East Lothian, with the county’s seven-day figure per 100,000 of the population being 42.0.

Nine new cases were recorded in East Lothian yesterday (Wednesday), as was one death on Saturday.

From September 24 to 30, East Lothian’s seven-day positive rate was 43.0 and 46 cases of the virus had been recorded. Afterwards, figures increased overall until recent weeks, when they have been on a steady decline.

Cases in the county remain lower than what they were a week ago.

Seven days ago (November 17-23), there were 67 positive cases recorded and the seven-day rate was 62.6.

The figures are more than half of what they were a month ago (October 24-30), when 101 cases were recorded and the seven-day rate was sitting at 94.3.

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

Edinburgh’s seven-day rate is now sitting at 63.2, Midlothian's at 84.4 and West Lothian's at 110.3, which is drastically lower than the 167.1 it was at a week ago.

Data from Public Health Scotland shows that three parts of East Lothian remain areas of concern.

Prestonpans West, Pinkie Braes and Musselburgh South continue to have a seven-day positive rate per 100,000 of the population of 100 or more.

In the seven days up to November 29, Prestonpans West recorded 11 cases, Pinkie Braes recorded between one and four, and Musselburgh South recorded six cases.

The only major change from yesterday, besides the main figures, is the number of places in East Lothian that recorded a seven-day rate per 100,000 of the population of 49 or less.

East Linton and Rural, Musselburgh West, Musselburgh North, Tranent South and Ormiston continue to record no cases in the seven days up to November 30.

With Wallyford and Whitecraig recording between one and four cases and Prestonpans East also recording no cases, this means all have a seven-day rate that is less than 15.

Apart from the three areas of concern and four with a seven-day rate between 50 and 74, the whole of East Lothian has a seven-day rate that is less than 49, a picture that has been improving day after day.

Across Scotland today (Thursday), 958 new cases were reported, with 51 new deaths recorded among those who had previously tested positive.