Ahead of the Scottish Parliament returning from its summer recess tomorrow, Jackie Baillie, MSP for Dumbarton Constituency, has raised new concerns about the record high COVID-19 cases in West Dunbartonshire.

West Dunbartonshire has the second highest case rate in Scotland and, alongside East Dunbartonshire and North Lanarkshire, has become the first local authority to surpass 1,000 cases per 100,000 of the population. The week ending 26 August saw West Dunbartonshire positive case numbers rise to 959 with 1,085 positive cases per 100,000 of the population. This gives the area a positivity rate of 15.9% compared to Scotland’s overall rate of 12.8%.

Jackie Baillie has continuously called for urgent action to be taken to address these worryingly high figures.

Jackie Baillie MSP said:

“Once again our local area is breaking records when it comes to positive COVID-19 cases. The numbers that we are experiencing locally – and across Scotland – are cause for serious concern. The combination of schools going back and local testing hubs running out of PCR tests makes for a perfect storm.

“I urge all local people to continue to be vigilant, cautious and follow all remaining guidance including the wearing of face masks and hand washing.

“The Scottish Government must urgently work with West Dunbartonshire Council and NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde to tackle this rise in cases. They have a duty of care to protect public health and safety. They must act now to prevent any further rise in cases which can lead to serious illness and death.”