A big public health operation is underway to try to contain the rise in Covid cases in the South Side of Glasgow.

Thousands of letters are being delivered today to homes in communities where cases are rising, urging people to get tested and if they are positive to isolate to break the chain of infection.

It comes after officials noticed an increase in positive cases that is causing serious concern.

Cases in the city doubled in a week this month from 27 per 100,000 to 58 per 100,000.

It is understood the figure is now higher and could be as high as above 70 per 100,000.

The areas targeted are G41 and G42 in the southside of the city, including Pollokshields where cases are high.

The letter urges people with no symptoms to get tested at the overflow carpark on Barrland Street, opposite the Tramway, open Monday to -Saturday, 10am-5pm.  Or at Glasgow Central Mosque,  in Gorbals, 10am until 5pm daily.

Glasgow Times:

It states rapid testing kits can also be collected from Sandyford South East, 205 Calder Street, 10am until 5pm daily, Glasgow Central Mosque, Gorbals and the Barrland Street testing site in Pollokshields.

The letter is signed by Susan Aitken, leader of Glasgow City Council and LindDe Caestecker, director of public health for Greater Glasogw health board.

Glasgow Times:

Susan Aitken, said: “The rise in Covid cases on the south side should be a warning to all Glaswegians that we’re not out of the woods yet.

“For some time now, we have been on a really encouraging path and as restrictions ease, it may be tempting to stretch the current guidance. But it is vital that we remain patient and stick to the pace of change the public health advice requires of us.

“Asymptomatic testing is so important in containing this outbreak and even if you haven’t any symptoms I would urge all those living in the affected area, which includes myself, to get tested as soon as possible.

“We have testing sites across the city and other locations where testing kits are available for collection - they can also be ordered online. For the sake of our city and the well-being of its people, please stick to the rules, get tested and lets continue on our path to recovery.”

Scotland is currently at around 25 cases per 100,000 population, which allowed Nicola Sturgeon to announce the further relaxation of lockdown, moving down to level Two from Monday next week.

However, Moray where cases are above 100, per 100,000, will stay in level Three until number there are brought down.

It raises concerns that Glasgow could be subject to tougher restriction than the rest of the country if the outbreak in the south side is not halted.

Nicola Sturgeon said of the outbreak: "We are seeing an increase in cases in Glasgow just now and, amidst concern about the so-called Indian variant, we are monitoring it very closely."

It is thought the increase is related to clusters of cases linked to an increase in household transmission.