A further nine deaths and 16,857 new cases of coronavirus have been recorded in Scotland overnight, according to official figures.
A total of 71,612 new tests were carried out, with 27.1% testing positive – down from the 28.9% reported the previously day.
More than 70,000 coronavirus cases have now been recorded over the festive break.
A total of 8252 cases were reported on Christmas Day, 11,030 on Boxing Day, 10,562 on December 27, 9360 on December 28, 15,849 on December 29, and 16,857 on December 30 – the highest daily totals recorded since the start of the pandemic.
Of the new cases reported on Thursday, 4713 are in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde region, 3041 are in Lanarkshire, 2398 are in Lothian, and 1212 are in Tayside.
The rest of the cases are spread out across ten other health board areas.
A total of 810 people were in hospital on Wednesday with recently confirmed Covid-19, an increase of 131 overnight. Out of those, 34 patients are in intensive care.
The lab-confirmed death toll of those who tested positive within the previous 28 days currently stands at 9845, however figures including suspected Covid-19 deaths recorded by National Records of Scotland suggest the most up-to-date total is now at least 12,372.
It was also confirmed that a total of 4,381,226 Scots have received their first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, 4,012,490 their second, and 2,944,977 their third dose or booster.
In response to the daily stats, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: “Yet another record tally of reported cases in today – reflecting fact that Omicron is very, very infectious.
“Likelihood of getting it just now if you mix with others is high. [Though] remember – being boosted gives you significant protection against becoming [very] ill with it.
“Just as notable than cases is the steep rise in hospital occupancy, the largest single day increase in a while – a reminder that even if there is a lower [percentage] hospitalised through Omicron, sheer volume will still put acute pressure on NHS – and result in serious illness for many.
“Concerning those these numbers are, they would be even higher but for good compliance with public health advice.
“As we approach the New Year, I am appealing to everyone to keep following this advice – for you own sake and also to help the NHS.”
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