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

The latest statistics from Public Health Scotland show that there were 470 positive tests returned in North Ayrshire between October 10-16.

That’s up from 441 the week before and gives us a seven-day rate per 100,000 of population of 350.1.

Despite the rise, there are some areas where the virus is not so prevalent.One neighbourhood in North Ayrshire is currently classified as having suppressed the virus, it’s Arran.

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, 90.3 per cent have had two doses.

The most recent National Records of Scotland statistics show that seven people in North Ayrshire 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 on October 1 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.