THE rise in coronavirus cases in East Lothian continues, according to the latest figures published by Public Health Scotland today (Friday).

Between December 30 and January 5, 177 positive cases were recorded in the county, with the seven-day rate per 100,000 of the population sitting at 165.3.

This is an increase compared to the figures announced yesterday (Thursday), when 161 cases were recorded and the seven-day rate was 150.3.

These recent figures remain among the lowest in Scotland.

By comparison, Edinburgh’s seven-day positive rate per 100,000 people is 230.1, Midlothian’s  206.6 and West Lothian’s 164.9; all are a decrease compared to the figures announced for each area yesterday.

In East Lothian, the number of places that are areas of concern, with a seven-day positive rate per 100,000 population between 200 and 399, has increased over the past 24 hours from five to seven: Musselburgh West (six cases), Musselburgh North (13 cases), Musselburgh East (13 cases), Wallyford/Whitecraig (15 cases), Tranent North (16 cases), Tranent South (13 cases), and East Linton and Rural (11 cases).

The number of places with a seven-day positive rate between 100 and 199 per 100,000 population has decreased from 13 to 11. It now consists of: Musselburgh South (five cases), Pinkie Braes (three cases), Prestonpans West (11 cases), Prestonpans East (five cases), Cockenzie (11 cases), Longniddry and Aberlady (nine cases), Ormiston (four cases), Haddington Rural (12 cases), Haddington North (eight cases), North Berwick South (six cases) and Dunbar West (six cases).

Gullane and Drem remains at the other end of the scale, recording fewer than two cases in the seven days up to January 5. It has been joined on this list today by Dunbar East.

 North Berwick North and Haddington South recorded a seven-day positive rate per 100,000 population of between 50 and 99.

Across Scotland as a whole today, 2,309 new cases were recorded, as were 93 deaths among those who had previously tested positive.

The number of people in hospital with recently confirmed Covid-19 increased by 63 to 1,530; the number of people in intensive care increased by two to 102.