Ross & Cromarty's number of confirmed Covid-19 cases stood at 59 in the most recent seven day period, Public Health Scotland data has revealed

THERE are now almost 60 confirmed Covid infections in Ross & Cromarty following recent clusters in the Highlands – including Dingwall.

There were 59 positive tests in the Ross-shire area in the seven days leading up to December 28 – the day for which the most recent data has been released.

The figure of 59 is up from the 42 cases reported across the seven days leading up to December 27.

And the rise came as Highland Council's wider rate of infection continued its recent increase too.

The council area now has 68.3 confirmed cases for every 100,000 people – well up on the 12.3 cases per 100,000 which was being reported at the start of December.

And, although the Highland Council rate is still well below the Scotland-wide figure of 159.4, it is growing closer to the 75 per 100,000 boundary between Level One and Level Two coronavirus restrictions.

All of mainland Scotland is currently sitting in Level Four until at least January 11, but Highland Council was in Level One before the 'temporary' move to near-lockdown in the run up to Christmas.

The latest rises are therefore likely to fuel concerns that Highland won't slot straight back into Level One when the measures are reviewed in January.

The increases also come amid wider pleas by both First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Highland Council leader Margaret Davidson for the public not to mix this Hogmanay. There are concerns that Christmas gatherings and Hogmanay revelries will fuel a recent surge in Covid-19 cases across Scotland and the UK as a whole.

Related news: Celebrate Hogmanay at home plea from council leader

Related news: 20 coronavirus cases linked to Dingwall pubs

Related news: 81 new Covid-19 cases detected across NHS Highland area

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.