Concerns have been raised that schools reopening in West Dunbartonshire, and the move beyond level 0 restrictions, could “exacerbate” the problem of high Covid infection rates in the area.

The latest figures released by the Scottish Government confirmed that West Dunbartonshire has one of the highest Covid-19 infection rates in Scotland, with 1,142.2 people per 100,000 population testing positive for the virus in the week to August 27.

Only East Dunbartonshire (1,175.2 per 100,000 people) and North Lanarkshire (1,173.4) have higher infection rates among Scotland's 32 local authorities.

During Thursday’s full council meeting, Community Party councillor Jim Bollan said: “I would like to know if there is a link between the young people going back to school and the huge increase in live Covid cases in West Dunbartonshire.”

Councillor Martin Rooney, leader of the Labour opposition group, argued that as the school term in West Dunbartonshire only began on August 16, it was unlikely this would have an effect on the rate of infection for at least two weeks. 

He argued that it was possible West Dunbartonshire was feeling the effects of the implementation of ‘beyond level zero’ restrictions, which allowed all venues to reopen on August 9. 

Councillor Rooney said: “It will take about three weeks before potential Covid cases in schools will feed into the system. 

“That’s what experts have said. I am happy for someone to go away and prove me wrong on that.

“Figures are going to increase before they go down again."