There has been two deaths in the local authority related to Covid as West Dunbartonshire remains to have one of the highest infection rates in the country.

Official statistics by the National Records of Scotland show that between Monday, September 6, and Sunday, September 12, two residents lost their lives in the area where Covid was mentioned on the death certificate.

These are the first deaths in almost two weeks.

The Reporter reported last week that West Dunbartonshire currently had the third highest infection rate area in Scotland behind North Lanarkshire and Inverclyde, despite the roll-out of vaccines.

Public Health Scotland said there were 1,064 confirmed positive Covid tests in West Dunbartonshire in the seven days to September 4 - a seven-day rate per 100,000 population of 1,204.4, and a slight rise on the figure of 1,139.9 for the week to August 28.

It means that the number of people who have died from Covid in West Dunbartonshire in 2021 has sadly increased to 75, and since the pandemic began last March the total number of deaths is 253.

The First Minister has confirmed yesterday in a Scottish Parliament briefing that there will be a nationwide roll out of booster vaccinations for people over the age of 50.