Covid-19 cases rise across Midlothian

With new restrictions expected to be introduced across Scotland, the Covid-19 infection rate continues to rise here in Midlothian.

Pic Lisa Ferguson. A Covid-19 safety measures poster in the shop window of the Card Factory on Dalkeith High Street.

The latest seven day figures from Public Health Scotland show that there were 59 positive cases in Midlothian between September 27- October 3, giving a seven day rate per 100,000 population of 63.8.

This has risen from the previous seven day figure for September 20-26 of 35, which is 37.9 per 100,000.

The latest positive rate of 63.8 gives Midlothian the 17th highest rate out of the 32 Scottish local authority areas.

For the week of September 27 - October 3, there were 4,551 positive Covid-19 test results in Scotland, giving a national infection rate of 83.3 per 100,000 of population.

Of that total, Glasgow had the most cases, 1,224, with Edinburgh second, 750. Giving a per 100,000 of population rate of 193.3 and 142.9 respectively.

In Midlothian, Dalkeith, Loanhead, Straiton, Mayfield and Thornybank are all in the highest Covid infection rate bracket, 100 or over per 100,000 cases. There were six positive cases in Mayfield and five in Loanhead.

With Eskbank, Pathhead and Penicuik Southwest in the next category down, 75-99 cases per 100,000 of population.

Only Penicuik Southeast, Penicuik North ,and Roslin and Bilston recorded no positive coronavirus cases between September 27 and October 3.

The Scottish cabinet was due to meet on Tuesday as the Advertiser went to press to discuss the possible reintroduction of tougher restrictions to stem the spread of the coronavirus.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has suggested that further measures could be rolled out “in the near future”.

A further 800 cases of the virus were confirmed in Scotland on Tuesday, with two additional deaths also reported. The numbers being treated in hospital are also rising.