Jackie Baillie MSP has expressed concern over high Covid rates across West Dunbartonshire as positive cases are at record levels and it emerged four care homes locally are currently affected.

Ms Baillie is urging local people to be cautious, while calling on the Scottish Government to adopt practical measures which could ease the pressure on health services and protect those most vulnerable.

Towards the end of last week the infection rate per 100,000 reached 1433 however this figure had actually fallen from a high of 1773.

The Dumbarton constituency MSP said: “It is concerning to hear Covid rates rising to almost 1800 per 100,000 within West Dunbartonshire. The area has been badly impacted by Covid since the start of the pandemic two years ago including being subject of some of the harshest restrictions.

“It is welcomed by the majority of people that most restrictions have now been lifted but there remains great pressure on our health service as a result of staff absence and increased Covid admissions.

“The Cabinet Secretary needs to stop just being a commentator, telling us how bad the problem is, and put a practical action plan in place including tackling delayed discharge.

“The SNP Government must get a grip and invest in social care so that people can be discharged from hospital, freeing up much needed beds.

“In addition, we need guarantees that those working on the frontline and supporting those who were previously shielding continue to have access to lateral flow devices once widespread free testing ends at the end of April. People are genuinely worried that they won’t be able to protect themselves and those around them when easily accessible free testing is no longer available.

“Another vital tool which we have at our disposal is antiviral medication so why are they not being used when they could benefit people with underlying conditions if they are given at the appropriate time?

“The SNP government need to act to ensure our NHS is not overwhelmed and Labour have set out practical actions they must take urgently.”