Revealed: Where Fife sits in coronavirus hotspot table

Fife has been revealed as one of the lowest coronavirus ‘hotspots’ in Scotland, according to new data.

With the number of new cases on the decline and efforts under way to release blanket restrictions, attention is shifting to the pockets of the country where the virus continues to spread.

Analysis by JPI’s Data investigation team reveals that Fife was rated the tenth hotspot, out of 11 in Scotland for new coronavirus cases.

The figures, relating to the period May 9-23, show the Kingdom had 4.3 cases per 100,000 population.

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That was just below Highland’s figure of 5.6. and above Dumfries on 1.3.

The biggest hotspot was Lanarkshire with 43.4, ahead of Greater Glasgow and Clyde on 42.1.

During that period, Fife had 16 new positive cases diagnosed, to take its running total to 826.

Scotland rolled out its ‘Test and Protect’ system on May 28. It will see an army of up to 2,000 tracers working to find anyone who has been in contact with those who test positive for coronavirus.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “We are introducing it at the same time as we take the first very cautious steps out of lockdown. It gives us the opportunity to address any operational issues ahead of a potentially more substantial easing of restrictions at the next review date in three weeks.”

Lanarkshire NHS board area saw Scotland’s highest rate of people testing positive for coronavirus in the two weeks to May 23, analysis of Scottish Government figures shows.

There were 43 positive test results for every 100,000 people, while Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles all reported no new cases.

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