The The highest daily rise in cases so far in Scotland cases so far

Total of 486 people have tested positive for Covid-19 in the country in the past 24 hours

Scotland has recorded its highest daily rise in positive coronavirus cases.

A total of 486 people have tested positive for Covid-19 north of the border in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of cases to 25,495.

Two deaths have also been recorded in the past day, meaning 2,508 people have now died after testing positive for the virus.

But figures released yesterday from thenationalrecordsofscotland– which account for all deaths registered in Scotland where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate – show the true number of fatalities stands at 4,247.

First Minster Nicola Sturgeon gave the latest coronavirus figures a day after announcing new restrictions to combat the rise in cases.

From tomorrow, measures banning people from visiting other households will come into force and pubs and restaurants will be required to close by 10pm.

Speaking during the Scottish Government’s daily briefing, Ms Sturgeon said the rise in cases is a “real cause for concern” that underlines “why we took very decisive and very tough action” to try to get the virus back under control.

She added: “That is the highest number of positive cases we have ever recorded in a single day. However for context it must be remembered that many more people are being tested now than was the case in the spring.”

A total of 224 of the new cases are in Greater Glasgow and Clyde, where the FM said there has been a significant outbreak at Glasgow University.

Addressing clusters at a number of universities, Ms Sturgeon said student life lends itself to spreading the virus.

She said “tough guidance” is currently in place and discussions are ongoing about what else may be needed.

Appealing directly to students, she said: “If you are asked to self-isolate, and I know many of you are already in that position, it is really important that you

follow that advice. From me, for now, please know that we appreciate the sacrifices you’re making at this really important stage of your lives.

“It’s not yesterday that I was at university, but I still remember what an important stage of life it is and nobody wants you to be living under these restrictions, but it is important that you take care not to put yourselves at risk and obviously not to inadvertently put other people at risk.

“What we’re asking you to do now is for the collective good of everyone, but we do appreciate your sacrifices and thank-you for it.”

Meanwhile, Jeane Freeman will warn care homes that the new coronavirus restrictions do not ban relatives from visiting their loved ones.

The health secretary also told MSPS she is “actively looking” at allowing care home residents to be allowed longer and more frequent visits.

Ms Freeman said some care homes had reportedly stopped allowing visitors, blaming the latest restrictions imposed by the Scottish Government.

However, Ms Freeman insisted “nothing could be further from the truth”, and said she would write to all of Scotland’s care homes to stress visiting has not been banned.

Asked about concerns from family members facing visiting restrictions and difficulty seeing relatives, Ms Freeman said she has asked the head of Scottish Care, Donald Macaskill, to “make clear” to care homes there are no additional restrictions.

She said: “I intend to write to all care homes again – as I did before around the question of testing – to remind them that the restrictions introduced yesterday do not impose additional restrictions on care home visiting.

“On the contrary, part of what we are trying to do with what the first minister said yesterday is to not only keep education open, but to protect and keep our care homes open for visiting.”

She revealed approximately 40% of care homes are now eligible for indoor visiting because they meet the criteria of being clear of coronavirus for 20 consecutive days and have staff tested weekly for Covid-19.

Outdoor visiting is still allowed at care homes not yet eligible for indoor meetings.

Ms Freeman also said she has spoken with campaigners calling for improved access to care homes for relatives.

She said she wants to “increase indoor visiting in terms of length of time you can visit and frequency”.

Nicola Sturgeon said the rise in cases is a “real cause for concern”.