ANOTHER seven deaths in West Dunbartonshire have been linked to the coronavirus - the highest weekly total since early May.

The National Records of Scotland published new totals of death certificates mentioning Covid-19 showing seven in the past week, up from six the week before. The week of May 11 there were 11 reported fatalities from the pandemic.

In total, 154 people have now died in the area linked to the virus as West Dunbartonshire remains on the strictest lockdown measures since spring.

The latest losses in life also emerged as an agreement was reached to allow some families to meet up at Christmas.

Some localised pockets in West Dunbartonshire and north-west Glasgow show fewer positive Covid-19 infections, but the rate remained too high for Scottish leaders and last week they moved the region into Level 4 restrictions.

The neighbourhood of Dalreoch showed the lowest number of between one and four infections in the past seven days up to November 21. Health bosses said that works out as 15-29 cases per 100,000.

Balloch had the same number of infections, but a higher rate per 100,000, with Bonhill and Clydebank North higher still. Dumbarton had a rate 75-99 cases per 100,000. All other neighbourhoods are 100 or more.

Statisticians indicate the high-rate areas in red, but some can be as few as one to four positive cases over a week, but for a smaller population in the area.

Neighbouring Helensburgh faces similarly high infection rates, while north-west Glasgow has a mix of the highest infection rates, and lower ones in what is defined as Drumry West and Blairdardie West. They each had one to four positive tests over seven days, as did Knightswood Park and Scotstoun North and East. Victoria Park had zero cases, the only part of Glasgow to record the lowest rate.

Infection rates by neighbourhood can be found on the Public Health Scotland website.