Scotland records 48 new cases of coronavirus in last 24 hours

Scotland has recorded 48 new cases of coronavirus in the last 24 hours.

The latest Scottish Government figures revealed there have now been no deaths related to the virus for the last 23 days but the total number of confirmed cases is now 18,998.

A total number of 261 people are currently being treated in hospital with three in intensive care.

The total number of Covid-19 deaths in Scotland remains at 2491.

There were 28 new cases in the NHS Grampian region, while one case from Saturday has been reassigned to NHS Shetland.

The person was from Shetland but had been tested while visiting the Grampian health board area.

The latest report comes as Aberdeen is spending its first weekend back in lockdown following an outbreak of coronavirus in the city.

The Covid cluster is believed to have started in busy bars in the city centre last week.

On Sunday, NHS Grampian said the cluster officially stands at 134 cases.

To date, the health board has identified 728 close contacts.

Regarding the 28 new cases, NHS Grampian said it cannot yet confirm how many are linked to the outbreak.

Susan Webb, director of public health, said: “The health protection and Test and Protect teams have worked throughout the weekend to interview the detected cases and establish who their close contacts are.

“This is happening rapidly and I want to thank them for their incredibly hard work.

“I also want to acknowledge again our gratitude for the support and cooperation of the cases themselves. The information they are providing is critical to our investigation.

“We all need to take personal responsibility for our behaviour.

“Sticking with the government guidance keeps ourselves, our friends and family, and the wider population of Grampian, safe.

“Thorough and regular handwashing with water and soap, observing physical distancing, using face coverings where these are required, and avoiding crowded places are all vital.

“People in Aberdeen should observe the enhanced restrictions covering the city.

“Finally, anyone who develops the recognised symptoms of Covid-19 – however mild they might be – should self-isolate immediately and arrange a test.”