The number of weekly positive Covid-19 test results being returned in North Ayrshire has decreased again, according to the latest statistics from Public Health Scotland.

The latest data show that there were 608 cases recorded in the area between January 15-21.

That’s a decrease from 785 the week before.

Just two weeks ago, the Advertiser reported that there were 1,764 positive test results returned in a single week.

Yesterday, the Scottish Government reported that there were 103 patients in hospital in the NHS Ayrshire and Arran health board area with a Covid-related illness. That’s down from 152 last week.

There are currently less than five people in intensive care.

Of those aged over 12 in North Ayrshire, 94 per cent have received at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, 88.5 per cent have had two, and 70.2 per cent have had three doses.

According to figures from the National Records of Scotland there were six Covid-related death in North Ayrshire between January 10-16.

Rules on indoor events and venues, including the need for table service in hospitality premises, were lifted from yesterday (January 24).

Nightclubs will also be permitted to reopen.

Employers must enable working from home where possible, with a return to a more hybrid approach mooted to come in from the start of February.

Adults and children aged 12 and over still have to wear face coverings in all the same indoor settings as before and vaccine passports are still required for a variety of settings and events.