Coronavirus: Six deaths as cases surge by 4234 overnight

Six deaths and 4234 new cases of coronavirus have been recorded in Scotland overnight, according to official figures.

It is the highest number of daily Covid-19 cases reported by the Scottish Government since the start of the pandemic – the third time this week following Monday’s 3285 and Wednesday’s 3887.

The lab-confirmed death toll of those who tested positive currently stands at 7722, however figures including suspected Covid-19 deaths recorded by National Records of Scotland suggest the most up-to-date total is now at least 10,168.

The daily test positivity rate is 10.5%, up from the 9.8% reported on Wednesday.

Of the new cases reported on Thursday, 1091 are in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde region, 999 are in Lothian, 559 are in Tayside and 413 are in Lanarkshire.

The rest of the cases are spread out across eight other health board areas.

A total of 275 people were in hospital on Wednesday with recently confirmed Covid-19, a rise of 40 overnight. Out of those, 16 patients are in intensive care.

It was also confirmed that 3,816,251 Scots have received their first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, an increase of 16,784 from the day before.

A total of 2,722,725 people have received their second dose, a rise of 10,488.

The latest figures came after professor Jason Leitch said Scots who receive the seasonal flu jab could this year have it on the same day as their third dose of a coronavirus vaccine.

Scotland’s national clinical director said trials of using the two vaccines together have suggested it is safe and effective.

On Wednesday, the UK-wide Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation set out interim guidance for a Covid vaccine booster programme.

The seasonal flu jab was offered to everyone over 55 in Scotland last year, extended to those over 50 where supplies allowed.

Discussing the new advice on Good Morning Scotland, Prof Leitch said a third coronavirus vaccine dose would provide longer-lasting immunity.

Prof Leitch was also asked about Covid cases linked to football fans watching the Euro 2020 tournament in various settings.

Data from Public Health Scotland published on Wednesday showed there were almost 2000 people who attended a Euro 2020-related event while infectious with the virus.

Prof Leitch said this had undoubtedly contributed to Scotland’s recent spike in cases.

He said: “To keep it in perspective, there were 32,000 positives since the Euros began.

“And 2000 of those positives, in their Test and Protect interviews, say they were at something to do with the Euros.

“So that will be an underestimate, some won’t have told us that, some won’t have appreciated that was important.”