Coronavirus: Record deaths for second consecutive day

A further 93 coronavirus deaths have been recorded in Scotland in the past 24 hours.

The number of deaths is the joint highest recorded in a single day since the pandemic began after 93 deaths were also reported on Friday.

The death toll under this measure – of people who first tested positive for the virus within the previous 28 days – is now 4965.

Official figures also show 1865 new cases of coronavirus have been recorded in the past 24 hours – a decrease on the 2309 new infections reported on Friday.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon described the figures as “a big concern”.

On Twitter, she said: “Covid case numbers still a big concern & putting huge pressure on the NHS, as hospital and ICU cases increase.

“Also, 93 further deaths remind us just how dangerous the virus can be – my thoughts are with all those grieving. To save lives and protect the NHS, please #StayHome.”

Covid case numbers still a big concern & putting huge pressure on the NHS, as hospital and ICU cases increase. Also, 93 further deaths remind us just how dangerous the virus can be – my thoughts are with all those grieving.
To save lives and protect the NHS, please #StayHome https://t.co/PXGpxFHABb
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) January 9, 2021

The number of people in hospital continues a rise seen in the past few weeks, and further extends the distance between the current numbers and the amount of people admitted to hospital in the April peak of coronavirus.

There are 1,596 people currently in hospital with confirmed Covid-19, up 66 from 1,530 in 24 hours – a record figure for Covid hospital patients for the second day in a row.

Of these patients, 109 are in intensive care – up by seven from the previous day.

Scottish Government statistics indicate the daily test positivity rate is 8.7%, up from 8.1% on Friday, when 2,301 positive cases were recorded.

A total of 147,889 people have tested positive in Scotland since the start of the pandemic.