BIGGEST NUMBER OF CASES SINCE MAY
SCOTLAND has recorded 208 new coronavirus cases – the highest daily increase in positive tests for more than 17 weeks.
The last time more people tested positive for Covid-19 was May 8, when there were 225 new cases of infection.
The increase, up from Saturday’s figure of 141 people, takes the weekly total of confirmed infections to 1079 – the most over a seven-day period since May 6.
No new deaths have been registered, according to the Scottish Government.
The 208 positive cases account for 2.3 per cent of the 18,418 tests carried out.
The news came as the UK recorded nearly 3000 new coronavirus cases over the past day, the highest increase in more than three months.
The 2988 new coronavirus cases is up from the 1813 infections announced yesterday, marking the biggest single-day jump since May 23.
Despite this, the UK’s official coronavirus death toll has only increased by two, bringing the total death count to 41,551.
Commenting on the rising numbers north of the Border, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: “Today’s numbers show a continued increase, including in percentage testing positive.
“While this reflects the substantial opening up of the economy, it reminds us of the need to deploy strong counter measures.
We have two main tools at our disposal.
“One of these tools is Test and Protect – it is working well and so far reaching well over 90 per cent of positive cases and close contacts.
“Within the next few days, we will launch a major enhancement – the Protect Scotland app – which will allow us to reach a wider range of contacts.
“Our other main tool – indeed our first line of defence – is ourselves. As we are all out and about more, we must take greater care on face coverings, hygiene, distance.”
As of Saturday night, there were four people with the virus in intensive care – up from two on Friday – although the total number of infected people in hospital has fallen by six to 245.
Greater Glasgow and Clyde accounted for the most new cases, with 92 positive tests from the region.
NHS Lanarkshire has recorded another 30 cases – up from 20 on Saturday and an increase on the 16 announced on Friday when it warned the region was close to having to reintroduce restrictions, similar to those imposed on other parts of the west of Scotland.
NHS Grampian, where the Aberdeen bar cluster was identified last month, has recorded an increase of 14 new cases – a sharp rise from the two announced on Saturday.