WARNINGS have been issued after Inverclyde's coronavirus infection rate increased rapidly over the latest seven-day monitoring period - recording the largest rise in the country.

Latest data shows that the rate per 100k surged from 85 at the end of October to 166 by last Friday.

This was the largest increase in Scotland.

The district was highlighted as an area 'causing concern' as the First Minister confirmed there would be no change to the area's Tier 3 status in the government's coronavirus restrictions.

Meanwhile, Inverclyde's virus death toll has risen to 122 after the district recorded its first fatality in 12 weeks.

The update came in a report issued yesterday by National Records of Scotland.

Officials noted the 119 per cent increase in cases over the past week as well as an increase in the test positivity rate, which has gone from 3.4 per cent to 5.5 per cent.

MSP Stuart McMillan said: "The announcement from the First Minister that Inverclyde is one of two current Level 3 areas that are giving the Scottish Government particular concern is very sobering.

"You can see from the data on the Public Health Scotland website that our rate of infection per 100,000 grew at a worrying rate for the seven day period to November 6.

"That tailed off over the last three days, but I think it is too early to tell if this will be sustained."

Mr McMillan says the latest report shows how quickly things can change and the importance of sticking to the rules regime.

He said: "There is no doubt these restrictions are extremely hard for us all.

"I have heard from thousands of constituents over the past seven months and I know of the real difficulties people are having.

"However, the more we do now, the more we stick to the restrictions that are in place to keep us all safe, the quicker we will emerge on the other side."

MP Ronnie Cowan believes the figures will serve as a reality check for everyone following the questions about the initial decision to place Inverclyde in Tier 3 a week ago.

Mr Cowan said: “Last week, when some people were demanding that Inverclyde was placed into Level 2, I pointed out that we all have a role to protect the NHS and prevent additional burden on those working on the frontline.

"The figures released today by the Scottish Government indicate that Inverclyde had the largest increase rise in cases per 100k of any local authority in Scotland, and sadly by some distance.

"This is not an indication that, in the intervening time, people are abusing the guidelines, we won’t know that for another week or so, it is proof that while there is a time lag in collating results and projecting trends we must err on the side of caution and not be swept along by a wave of outraged indignation.

“It is vital people adhere to the guidelines, maintain social distancing, avoid crowded spaces and do not visit other people’s homes.

"We need to do everything we can to keep ahead of the virus and not find ourselves chasing it because we have become complacent.”