COVID-19 infection rates remain "stubbornly high" in Argyll and Bute, according to a top consultant for the region's health board.
The council area currently has a higher infection rate per 100,000 population than 15 other local authorities across Scotland, with parts of Helensburgh among the worst affected in the country.
NHS Highland has issued a reminder to the public of the importance of following the latest guidance, including physical distancing measures, amid the recent surge.
Dr Ken Oates, consultant in public health medicine for NHS Highland, said: “Since Christmas there has been a steady increase in the number of confirmed Covid cases in the community within the Helensburgh and Cowal areas of Argyll and Bute.
"The Argyll and Bute Council area now has an infection rate of 107/100,000 people which is higher than 15 other local authority areas in Scotland, including the cities of Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen.
“A significant proportion of these confirmed cases are the new UK variant which we know is much more easily caught and spread."
READ MORE: Argyll and Bute Covid rate shows sharp rise despite nationwide decline
In the week up to Tuesday, February 9, the most recent set of data available from Public Health Scotland, more than three quarters of the 84 positive cases recorded in Argyll and Bute came in Helensburgh and Lomond.
Helensburgh North (356), Helensburgh Centre (307.9) and Helensburgh East (334.4) have the highest seven day positive rates per 100,000 population in the region.
Dr Oates added: “We would like to remind the public of the importance of following the national guidance which is in place to try to protect our communities.
"Please minimise your contact with other people.
"This is not the time to be complacent or to try to make the rules fit for you.
“Extended families meeting up in houses is still a major route of spread, as is sharing a car and giving someone else a lift.
"It is also vital that you stay at home if unwell and do not attend work."
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