FM says we must celebrate Hogmanay alone
It's as positive covid cases in Scotland hit record high
Last updated 29th Dec 2020
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has urged people to stay at home for Hogmanay as Scotland recorded a further seven coronavirus deaths since Christmas.
Latest figures show that seven Covid-19 deaths were recorded between December 25 and 29, though the Scottish Government noted that register offices have been closed over the public holidays.
It brings the death toll under this measure - of people who first tested positive for the virus within the previous 28 days - to 4,467.
The number of cases continued to rise, with 1,895 new cases of Covid-19 reported on Tuesday December 29 - the highest daily number recorded
The First Minister: We see quite a big jump in cases today from tests reported yesterday - 1,895 new cases. Now there may be a bit of a Christmas lag in that but it is nevertheless indicative of a rising, or what appears to be a rising, trend of cases again.''
She added: That really must make all of us yet again sit up and take notice of this. We also think that the new strain is contributing to faster spread of the virus and so my main message to people really is to make sure that you are not visiting other people's houses right now.
That is the most important thing of all and, unfortunately, that includes Hogmanay and New Year.
This year I know we are all desperate to kick 2020 into touch but we must do that safely and the safest way to do that this year is to be in our own homes with our own households.''