LESS than 400 people in Inverclyde have tested positive for coronavirus since the outbreak began, new figures show.

It is the first time the local authority's number of confirmed cases during the pandemic has been revealed.

The number of deaths in the district remains at 120 - which represents the highest rate in the country at 15 per 10,000.

Inverclyde is the only local authority in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde health board area currently free from tighter lockdown restrictions, as the area has been keeping on top of infections.

The rate remains low locally, with only seven new cases in the last week - compared with an average of 14 across the rest of Scotland.

A total of 394 positive Covid-19 tests were recorded in Inverclyde up until September 15.

East Renfrewshire, which has a similar population size, recorded 51 new cases last week and its total number of positive tests stands at 499.

The statistics from Public Health Scotland show Inverclyde is currently on a different path from neighbouring authorities.

Unlike other local authority areas in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, there is no no outright ban on people going into other people's homes.

But like the rest of the country Inverclyde is covered by the 'rule of six' - where only two households can meet up in indoors or in gardens.

Meanwhile a report prepared by council officials has shown there are currently no cases of the virus in local care homes.

Two schools have recorded positive tests in recent weeks - Aileymill and Lady Alice primaries - which sent a couple of classes into isolation.

But education director Ruth Binks has confirmed that the absence rate among pupils sine the recent start of term has started to improve.

It has increased from 89 per cent to 93 per cent, with most absences in schools accounted for by pupils with additional support needs.

Meanwhile the council remains in talks with the Scottish Government to establish a walk-in testing centre in Inverclyde, as reported by the Tele on Tuesday.