Coronavirus: Number of new confirmed cases rises by 27

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Scotland has risen by 27 in the last 24 hours, the biggest single-day increase since June 19.

The total number of positive cases across the country now stands at 18,547.

But for the ninth straight day, there have been zero deaths of confirmed Covid-19 patients.

The number of deaths of patients who tested positive remains at 2,491.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde recorded nine of the new positive cases, while eight were detected by NHS Lanarkshire.

There are 270 people with coronavirus currently in Scottish hospitals, a decrease of eight on the day before, and just two people in intensive care – unchanged from yesterday.

The latest results come from more than 14,774 completed Covid tests in the last 24-hour period, meaning 0.7% of those tested were diagnosed with the virus.

Every week, National Records of Scotland publishes the numbers of everyone who has died with Covid-19 cited on their death certificate – including both confirmed and suspected cases.

Under that measurement, a total of 4193 deaths had occurred involving Covid-19 as of Sunday, July 19.

The latest figures continue to show a suppression of the virus, which will need to be maintained if the Scottish Government is to give the go-ahead for schools to return on August 11.

Both First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Education Secretary John Swinney have said that the return of pupils to classrooms will only happen if the virus continues to stay at low levels.

A final decision on schooling is set to take place at the end of next week.