EXCLUSIVE: Party at South Ayrshire village blamed for rise in covid cases in the region

We can exclusively reveal an outbreak at a South Ayrshire village, caused by a party, is one of the reasons coronavirus cases have spiked in the region.

The leader of South Ayrshire Council says the virus was able to spread when 17 people gathered together, but was unable to disclose in which town.

Councillor Peter Henderson says, "It's not just the 17 people, it's all those they have been in contact with too. The track and trace system worked very well.

"But that incident put out figures up and, to be fair to the Government, they can only look at that data and trends. We have gone up rather than level off."

It comes after the First Minister told MSPs earlier this week South Ayrshire was one local authority area she had concerns about because of rising coronavirus cases.

On Tuesday, Nicola Sturgeon announced the region would be staying in level three of the restrictions system but that a shorter period in level four could be more effective and that was being looked into.

Councillor Henderson added, "We have also had an outbreak at (one particular) care home which is much more concerning and is being fully investigated. With all protections in place, how did it happen?

"One of the other things we have to keep in mind is that the A77 is one of the main transport corridors. Not just lorries, but commuters and tourists. It's very difficult to control that.

"The figures are concerning. Unless the public pay attention and stick with the guidelines, we're in danger of having our level raised. But more importantly, we're in danger of more people being ill and admitted to hospital."

A statement from NHS Ayrshire and Arran says, "As we have seen in recent days, there is sustained community transmission of COVID-19 across Ayrshire and Arran. This is a continually evolving situation. However, the testing system is working well, which means we are identifying community cases and completing contact tracing quickly. This allows people to immediately self-isolate when required.

"We appreciate this is a very worrying time. However, we would like everyone in Ayrshire and Arran that every measure is being taken to protect those in the community.

"We would like to remind people of the symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19): new persistent cough; high temperature; and / or loss of taste and smell. Anyone who develops any of these symptoms should book a test and self-isolate immediately."

We have also contacted Police Scotland for comment.

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