Coronavirus: Cases in Scotland surge by 2539 overnight

Scotland has recorded a further 2539 cases of coronavirus over the past 24 hours.

On Friday, the Scottish Government revealed 28,313 new tests reported results with 9.7% of them positive.

Since the start of the outbreak, a total of 129,992 people have tested positive for the deadly virus.

The daily figures for deaths, hospital admissions and intensive care cases will not be reported until January 5.

As of December 31, the official death toll in Scotland stood at 4578. 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.

The daily Scottish Government figures reported 2622 new Covid-19 cases on Thursday, with 2045 infections on Wednesday and 1895 people testing positive on Tuesday.

1/2 Today’s case numbers are worryingly high again. The new variant is accelerating spread. PLEASE do not visit other people’s homes just now, even today – if you first foot someone today, or hug/kiss/handshake them HNY, you are putting yourself, others & the NHS at risk pic.twitter.com/ojLVBTkZE7
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) January 1, 2021

In response to the figures, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: “Today’s case numbers are worryingly high again. The new variant is accelerating spread.

“Please do not visit other people’s homes just now, even today.

“If you first foot someone today, or hug/kiss/handshake them [happy New Year], you are putting yourself, others and the NHS at risk.

“The vaccine cavalry is on [its] way, offering real hope for 2021 – but with this new variant, the next few weeks may be the most dangerous we’ve faced since Mar/April.

“We must act together to suppress it, to save lives and protect the NHS. Stick with it.”