MORE than 500 cases of Covid-19 were recorded in East Lothian over the last week – a 25 per cent surge on the previous seven days – making the county one of the nation’s virus hotspots.

East Lothian had 511 cases of Covid-19 between November 15 and 21, giving a seven-day positive rate per 100,000 people of 473.6.

This is far higher than the figures for the previous week (November 8-14) when 406 positive Covid-19 cases were recorded, producing a seven-day positive rate per 100,000 people of 376.3.

Rankings

East Lothian now has the sixth highest Covid rate in Scotland, with Falkirk top (seven-day positive rate per 100,000 people of 546.8).

Neighbouring City of Edinburgh (312) and Midlothian Council (309) both have seven-day rates per 100,000 people significantly lower than East Lothian’s. In the county, Haddington Rural, which includes Gifford, recorded the most cases in the last seven days (55), giving it a seven-day rate of 867.4.

Every town and village in East Lothian reported six or more Covid cases between November 15 and 21, with one Covid related death recorded in the last seven days bringing the total of virus related deaths in the county to 140.

Towns

Listed below is a breakdown of case numbers in each part of East Lothian:

Haddington Rural – 55 cases, seven-day positive rate of 867.4;

Cockenzie – 49 cases, seven-day rate 860.6;

Dunbar West – 45 cases, seven-day rate 821.9;

Haddington North – 32 cases, seven-day rate 726.6;

Gullane and Drem – 30 cases, seven-day rate 680.9;

East Linton and rural – 34 cases, seven-day rate 622.5;

Ormiston – 18 cases, seven-day rate 606.5;

Dunbar East – 27 cases, seven-day rate 579.3.

Tranent South – 26 cases, seven-day rate 431.7;

Musselburgh East – 20 cases, seven-day rate 417.6;

Musselburgh South – 17 cases, seven-day rate 370;

Haddington South – 17 cases, seven-day rate 355.9;

North Berwick South – 16 cases, seven-day rate 340.9;

North Berwick North – 11 cases, seven-day rate 340;

Pinkie Braes – 8 cases, seven-day rate 339;

Wallyford/Whitecraig – 23 cases, seven-day positive rate of 333.2;

Prestonpans East – 14 cases, seven-day rate 326.8;

Musselburgh North – 15 cases, seven-day rate 308.3;

Longniddry and Aberlady – 17 cases, seven-day rate 297.4;

Tranent North – 18 cases, seven-day rate 263.7

Prestonpans West – 13 cases, seven-day rate 229.4

Musselburgh West – 6 cases, seven-day rate 203.6

Vaccinations

Meanwhile, the vast majority of East Lothian residents have now received both doses of a coronavirus vaccine.

As of yesterday (Wednesday), 83,194 people over the age of 18 have received their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine.

This equals 96.8 per cent of the population.

A total of 80,060 people have received their second dose, or 93.1 per cent of the population.

And 31,181 residents or 36.3 per cent have received a third dose or booster coronavirus vaccine.