North Ayrshire, along with many other regions in the country, is experiencing a surge in COVID case numbers.

The latest data from Public Health Scotland show that there were 105 cases recorded in the area between May 29-June 4, which is an increase of 26 cases on the previous week and gives us a seven-day rate per 100,000 of population of 77.9.

Earlier this year, a seven-day rate that high would have seen us placed in level three, but currently, the government is looking at more factors when determining council area levels, such as hospitalisations and ICU admissions.

The hotspot areas at the moment are Ardrossan North East (15 cases), Ardrossan North West (10 cases) and Saltcoats North East (15 cases).

COVID vaccine first doses have been given to 81 per cent of the adult population in North Ayrshire and 55.7 per cent have received two doses.

Given the rise in cases to affect North Ayrshire and the other two Ayrshire council areas, NHS Ayrshire and Arran last week issued a plea for people to continue abiding by the rules and last week a drop-in vaccination clinic was set up at the Greenwood Conference Centre in attempt to keep the virus at bay.

Staff administered 826 doses of the vaccine as people flocked to get their jag.

Lynne McNiven, Director of Public Health said:”NHS Ayrshire and Arran has seen an incredible response to our local mass vaccination programme... The drop-in opportunity at Greenwood Conference Centre was offered at short notice, to make the most of available vaccine supply and staff resource.”