THE latest figures showing the number of deaths from Covid-19 in West Dunbartonshire have been released.

The data showed that between October 18-24, there were zero deaths in the area in which Covid was mentioned on the death certificate.

It's the first week for almost two months that West Dunbartonshire has gone without a death relating to Covid-19 since the week ending August 30, 2021.

This positive news comes after the local authority area saw six deaths from Covid the previous week.

Previously, West Dunbartonshire held an extended period as one of the worst areas for Covid infections in Scotland, but now finds itself outside of the top 10.

It now brings the number of deaths in the area in which Covid was mentioned on the death certificate at 102 since the beginning of this year, and 280 since the start of the pandemic.

In a Covid briefing yesterday Nicola Sturgeon announced that Scotland currently has lowest Covid rate of the four UK nations.

However, she added that cases are starting to creep up slightly and urged people not to become complacent, with NHS under pressure and hospital cases rising. 

Hospital cases are rising due to a slight spike in Covid among the older age groups, rather than the younger age groups as seen earlier in the summer. 

The first minister announced an additional £482 million to be allocated to the NHS and health and social care integration authorities.

This will target the Test and Protect system and the vaccination programme in particular.