Scotland hits record number of new Covid cases with more than 20,000

A further 20,217 people have tested positive for Covid-19 - the highest daily figure of the pandemic.

Scotland hits record number of new Covid cases with more than 20,000 iStock

Scotland has recorded another 20,217 new cases of coronavirus, the highest daily figure of the pandemic.

Figures published by the Scottish Government on Monday show 65,860 new tests for Covid-19 reported results and 34.9% were positive.

The figures included a note advising of delays in between tests being taken and results being reported but saying Public Health Scotland is monitoring the situation.

There were 1031 people in hospital on Sunday with recently confirmed Covid-19 and 38 were in intensive care.

Before Christmas, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon urged people to “stay at home as much as possible”.

New limits on large public gatherings forced the cancellation of New Year’s Eve street parties, for the second year, including the street party planned for Edinburgh that normally attracts tens of thousands of people.

Meanwhile, a total of 4,383,212 people have received their first dose of a Covid-19 vaccination, 4,017,051 have received a second dose, and 2,992,583 have received a third dose or booster.

The daily data for January 1 and January 2 was also published on Monday.

A total of 17,065 new cases were reported on January 1 and 14,080 were reported for January 2.

The record Covid figures come as Scotland’s education secretary urged school pupils to test at home for the virus before heading back to the classroom this week.

Shirley-Anne Somerville told secondary school students to take a lateral flow test either the night before lessons start back or on the morning of their return.

With youngsters aged 12 to 15 years old now eligible for their second doses of coronavirus vaccine, pupils in this age group are also being encouraged to come forward for their jabs.

What are the current Covid restrictions in Scotland?

Events have one-metre social distancing and are limited to 100 people standing indoors, 200 people sitting indoors and 500 people outdoors.

One-metre physical distancing is in place in all indoor hospitality and leisure settings.

Table service is also required where alcohol is being served.

Since December 14, people have been asked to reduce their social contacts as much as possible by meeting in groups of no more than three households.

Allowing staff to work from home where possible has become a legal duty on employers.

Care home visits have also been limited to two households.

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