Covid: Daily cases in Scotland highest on record according to the latest data

Daily coronavirus cases in Scotland are the highest on record at 16,857, according to the latest data.

The figures published by the Scottish Government on Thursday show 71,612 new tests for Covid-19 reported results and 27.1% of were positive.

The figures include a note advising of delays in between tests being taken and results being reported but saying Public Health Scotland believe turnaround times are improving.

Nine deaths from the virus were recorded north of the border in the past 24 hours.

This takes the Covid-19 death toll in Scotland under the daily measure, of people who first tested positive for the virus within the previous 28 days, to 9,845.

There were 810 people in hospital on Wednesday with recently confirmed Covid-19 with 34 in intensive care.

A total of 4,381,226 people have received their first dose of a Covid-19 vaccination, 4,012,490 have received their second dose, and 2,944,977 have received a third dose or booster.

Yesterday First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed that the current Covid rules were not being tightened yet.

Addressing another record high of daily coronavirus cases in Scotland, the country’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: “Yet another record tally of reported cases in today – reflecting fact that Omicron is very, very infectious.

“Likelihood of getting it just now if you mix with others is high. Tho remember – being boosted gives you significant protection against becoming v ill with it.

“Just as notable than cases is the steep rise in hospital occupancy, the largest single day increase in a while – a reminder that even if there is a lower % hospitalised through Omicron, sheer volume will still put acute pressure on NHS – and result in serious illness for many.

“Concerning those these numbers are, they would be even higher but for good compliance with public health advice.

“As we approach the New Year, I am appealing to everyone to keep following this advice – for you own sake and also to help the NHS.”