A COVID-19 mobile testing unit is to be set up in Dumbarton for the first time, according to the area's MSP.

Jackie Baillie said she had secured the commitment from deputy first minister John Swinney after the announcement of a ban on West Dunbartonshire residents hosting other people in their homes following a rise in the number of Covid-19 cases.

The ban – which also means people living in the area should not visit someone else's home, no matter where it is – came into force at midnight across West Dunbartonshire, Glasgow and East Renfrewshire.

However, schools, pubs and other businesses are not affected by the new measure.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said that according to the scientific advice, the rise in Greater Glasgow and Clyde cases was believed to be the result of people gathering at house parties.

Jackie Baillie said: “I am fully aware of the frustrations and issues that local people have had in trying to access local testing in recent days.

"I have continually argued for a permanent local testing unit to be opened in our area and will continue to do so in the coming days.

"I have spoken to the Deputy First Minister John Swinney and he has arranged for a mobile unit to be based in Dumbarton for the immediate period.

“My thanks continue to go to all the frontline and key workers who are supporting our community during this time and we owe it to them to all play our part and strictly follow the guidance.”

In her statement on Tuesday evening, Ms Sturgeon also said that of the three areas affected by the new restrictions, the infection rate was highest in West Dunbartonshire.

The daily Covid-19 incidence rate has reached almost 33 new cases for every 100,000 people in West Dunbartonshire - more than three times the rate for Scotland as a whole.

In Glasgow the rate is 22, and in East Renfrewshire it is nearly 19.

For Scotland as a whole, the rate is slightly more than 10 new cases per 100,000 people.

The restrictions affect 88,930 people in West Dunbartonshire, 633,120 people in Glasgow, and 95,530 in East Renfrewshire.

Ms Baillie continued: I understand that an increase to restrictions which had previously been eased will come as a disappointment to many people.

"However, I cannot stress enough the importance of following absolutely all guidance that has been set.

"In essence, households are not to socialise but schools and economic activity can continue.

“These steps are in place to protect our health and the wellbeing of the most vulnerable in our communities.

"Our area has been particularly badly hit by Covid-19 and while we are through the worst of it, we are not yet in the clear."