Coronavirus: Seven more deaths as cases surge by 1895

A further seven people have died in Scotland after being diagnosed with coronavirus, the Scottish Government has confirmed.

The update on Tuesday takes into account Covid deaths registered between December 25 and 28, though it was noted that register offices have been closed over the public holidays.

The death toll of those who had tested positive stands at 4467, however weekly figures on suspected Covid-19 deaths recorded by National Records of Scotland suggest the most up-to-date total is at least 6298.

Total confirmed cases of the virus has risen to 122,786 – a jump of 1895 in the past 24 hours.

A total of 14,179 new tests reported results – with the positivity rate 14.4%.

According to management information reported by NHS boards across Scotland, 1092 people are in hospital with confirmed or suspected Covid-19. Out of those, 65 patients are in intensive care.

Earlier on Tuesday, Nicola Sturgeon urged Scots to stay at home this Hogmanay amid a warning that coronavirus cases are rising.

The First Minister issued a reminder that level four restrictions are now in place across mainland Scotland to suppress a variant strain of the deadly virus.

The new strain may be up to 70% more transmissible than the old variant and could increase the R number by 0.4.

In a Twitter post, Sturgeon said: “Covid cases are rising.

“Level four restrictions are now in place across mainland Scotland to suppress the new strain.

“It is especially vital that we do not mix indoors with other households, including at Hogmanay.

“Please plan to bring in 2021 at home with your own household.”