After weeks of declining, dropping from more than a thousand per week in September to around 400, North Ayrshire’s seven-day Covid case rate has begun to rise again.

The latest statistics from Public Health Scotland show that there were 467 positive tests returned in North Ayrshire between October 9-15.

That’s up from 438 the week before and gives us a seven-day rate per 100,000 of population of 357.9.

Despite the rise in cases, one neighbourhood in North Ayrshire is currently classified as having suppressed the virus. Arran has had fewer than three cases in the last week.

On vaccinations, 94.5 per cent of all those over the age of 16 in North Ayrshire have had at least one dose of a Covid vaccine, 88.2 per cent have had two doses.

The most recent National Records of Scotland statistics show that seven people died where Covid was mentioned on their death certificate between October 4-10.

As of yesterday the requirement on specific venues and events to check for proof of Covid vaccination became legally enforceable.

It means nightclubs and large events, will only be able to allow entry to people who can show they have had two doses of a Covid vaccine.

The scheme came into effect at the beginning of this month but business were given a grace period of 17 days to allow them to get to grips with the new procedure.

Unseated indoor events with more than 500 people, unseated outdoor events with more than 4,000 people, and events with more than 10,000 people in attendance will be required to check for vaccination status.