PARTIES and family gatherings taking place in West Dunbartonshire have led to the local authority having the highest number of Covid-19 cases per population, it has been revealed.

Residents have been urged to abide by the rules currently in place as the number of coronavirus cases continues to rise.

Dr Linda de Caestecker, of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “When we examine the rate per 100,000 population it is highest in West Dunbartonshire where many cases relate to family gatherings and parties.

“The next highest rate is in Glasgow City where more cases are associated with visits to bars and restaurants.”

On Monday, the First Minister revised restrictions for West Dunbartonshire which include a ban on people not meeting with people from other households in indoor household settings.

Dr Caestecker went on to say: “I would like to thank members of the public who are abiding by the rules, and for those who aren’t, ask them to remember that they are putting themselves, their loved ones and their work colleagues at risk.

“As the First Minister keeps saying, things should not feel normal yet. So going out and about, visiting three or four pubs a night just doesn’t work.

“By all means go to the pub and see friends, but if you do, you must socially distance. If you go somewhere and it’s busy, you should leave and find somewhere quieter - and safer. If you are out, pick a bar and stay in that one place, as moving between venues just increases your chances of catching the virus.

“Nobody wants to back to into lockdown. Nobody wants to be forced into only seeing friends on a screen again. So, if we want to continue to meet our friends and family to enjoy a night out then we all need to play by the rules.”