Cases of Covid are rising again in Ayrshire as the NHS admitted today pressure on the care system remains high.
Most recent figures show that more than 800 people tested positive for coronavirus across the region last week.
With daily data dumps on Covid at a local level scrapped earlier this year, a true reflection of the amount of patients in hospital with the virus is unknown.
But NHS Ayrshire & Arran has said that they have noted a rise in cases within hospitals and communities.
And the rise in cases coupled with staff absences has meant the pressure on the health service remains high.
The sharp increase in cases come in the wake of the discovery of three new Omicron sub-variants, known as BA.4, BA.5 and BA.2.12.1.
Joanne Edwards, director of Acute Services: "NHS Ayrshire & Arran is committed to providing safe and effective health care and treatment for our population in as timely a way as possible.
"In recent days, we have experienced an increase in positive cases of COVID-19 both within our hospitals and our communities. Positive cases of COVID-19 along with rise in staff absence continues to have an impact and pressure remains high across the entire health and care system in Ayrshire and Arran.
"We remain focused on taking action to try and ease the pressures on our health and care system while ensuring the continued safety of our patients, staff and their families.
"The situation is constantly monitored and the board links closely with Health Protection Scotland, the Scottish Government and the chief medical officer.
"Together, the following actions will help reduce the risk, make it safer for everyone and help to slow down the spread of the virus:
• get your vaccine when offered to ensure you are fully protected
• stay at home if you’re unwell with symptoms or have a fever
• open windows when socialising indoors
• wear a face covering in indoor public places and on public transport
• wash your hands to protect yourself
"If you are unwell with COVID-19 symptoms or have a high temperature, you should follow the ‘Stay at Home’ guidance available by visiting www.nhsinform.scot/covid19."
It's understood that 1 in 20 people across Scotland have Covid at the moment.
Leading immunologist and founding scientist of Cignpost Diagnostics, professor Denis Kinane has reiterated that Covid remains a highly infectious and dangerous disease.
Reacting to rising cases in Scotland, professor Kinane added: “Despite our success in mitigating the impact of COVID through the vaccine programme, it is clear that the virus is not about to disappear.
"There are some worrying trends however in the rising number of infections, particularly compared with the levels from a year ago.
"Last June, 1 in 220 people in Scotland had COVID, compared to 1 in 20 people today [Monday]. That is already leading to a gradual rise in hospitalisations.
"What is more concerning is if the pattern from previous years is repeated where there is a surge in infections in the Autumn.
"Despite what many think, Covid is still a dangerous and highly infectious disease. That is why I believe we have to continue to be cautious, especially for those who are in a vulnerable group or immunosuppressed.
"No one wants to return to full lockdowns but taking reasonable precautions — using face masks in enclosed spaces, getting tested if you are in regular contact with the vulnerable, keeping a close eye on new variants — are all sensible and proportionate steps."
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