A SPIKE in coronavirus cases in Dunbar has been recorded in recent days.

A mobile testing unit will be returning to Dunbar from tomorrow (Wednesday) – two days earlier than planned – following a recent increase in Covid-19 cases in the area.

The mobile unit, which offers tests for people not showing any symptoms of the virus, will be sited in the car park at Dunbar Leisure Pool and will be open from 10am to 6pm daily up to and including Sunday.

Between May 23 and 29, 26 positive cases of Covid-19 were recorded in East Lothian, giving a seven-day positive rate per 100,000 people of 24.3.

However, out of those 26 cases, 10 were in Dunbar: three in Dunbar East – which includes Spott Road and the town's train station – giving it a seven-day positive rate per 100,000 people of 64.4; and seven in Dunbar West – which includes Belhaven, North Road and both of the town’s schools – giving it a seven-day positive rate per 100,000 people of 127.9.

There has also been a positive test at Dunbar Primary School.

READ MORE: Positive coronavirus test recorded at Dunbar Primary School

Neighbouring East Linton and Rural also recorded three positive cases over the same period, giving it a seven-day positive rate per 100,000 people of 54.9.

The only other part of East Lothian to record more than two positive cases in the last week was Musselburgh North, which also recorded three positive cases for a seven-day positive rate per 100,000 people of 61.7.

Sharon Saunders, East Lothian Council's head of communities, said: “In recent days, some new cases of Covid-19 have been reported in the Dunbar area.

"While the numbers are still relatively low, it underlines the fact that transmission of the virus remains a real risk.

“Almost one in three people who have Covid-19 don’t have any of the usual symptoms but are potentially passing the virus on to loved ones and people in the community.

“Good progress is being made in suppressing Covid – as reflected by East Lothian’s move to Level 1 later this week and with the rollout of the vaccination programme – but localised increases in virus prevalence show we must all remain on our guard.

“A mobile test unit had been due in Dunbar for a further three days from Friday, but will now be back in the town from Wednesday – two days earlier than originally planned.

“By visiting the mobile unit, people can find out if they are positive and take immediate action to stop the spread of the virus to others by self-isolating.

“In the coming days, units will also be in Tranent, North Berwick, Port Seton, Haddington and Whitecraig. We’ll confirm the plans for next week in the days ahead.

“Meanwhile, our testing centre at the former Stoneyhill Community Centre in Musselburgh, aimed at identifying positive cases among people showing no symptoms, continues to be open from Tuesday to Saturday (11am-6pm). No appointments is required.”

The revised mobile testing unit schedule for the rest of this week is:

  • Wednesday, June 2; Thursday, June 3: Dunbar Leisure Pool; Port Seton Centre; The Mercat Bar & Grill, Whitecraig; North Berwick Community Centre; John Muir House, Haddington
  • Friday, June 4: Dunbar Leisure Pool; Loch Centre, Tranent; North Berwick Community Centre; John Muir House, Haddington
  • Saturday, June 5; Sunday, June 6: Dunbar Leisure Pool; Loch Centre, Tranent

Walk-in appointments are available on the day. Alternatively, bookings can be made from 6pm on the day before taking a test either online at gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by phone 0300 303 2713. When asked why you are booking a test, select ‘my local council or health protection team has asked me to get a test, even though I do not have symptoms’.

More information on testing options is available at eastlothian.gov.uk/testing