Virus cases hit a four-month high with 208 positive tests

Scotland has recorded 208 new coronavirus cases - the highest daily increase in positive tests for more than 17 weeks.

The last time more people tested positive for Covid-19 was May 8, when there were 225 new cases of infection.

The increase, up from Saturday's figure of 141 people, takes the weekly total of confirmed infections to 1,079 - the most over a seven-day period since May 6.

No new deaths have been registered, according to the Scottish Government.

The 208 positive cases account for 2.3% of the 18,418 tests carried out.

Commenting on the rising numbers of confirmed cases, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: Today's numbers show a continued increase, including in % positive.

While this reflects the substantial opening up of the economy, it reminds us of the need to deploy strong counter measures.

We have two main tools at our disposal.

One of these tools is Test and Protect - it is working well and so far reaching well over 90% of positive cases and close contacts.

Within (the) next few days we will launch a major enhancement - the Protect Scotland app - which will allow us to reach a wider range of contacts.

Our other main tool - indeed our first line of defence - is ourselves. As we are all out and about more, we must take greater care on face coverings, hygiene, distance.

Please take this opportunity to think how you could tighten up on the #FACTS rules.

So far the rise in cases is not matched by a rise in hospital/ICU admissions/deaths.

That's good news but we mustn't be complacent about it. It could be a time lag - some countries, e.g. France, that have had cases rising for longer are seeing these indicators rise now too.

All in all, this is a moment to take note and act in a way that prevents spread.

Even if you think risk of Covid to yourself is low, don't risk infecting others more vulnerable.

Complying with #FACTS protects you, your family/community and the NHS. It will also save lives.''

As of Saturday night, there were four people with the virus in intensive care - up from two on Friday - although the total number of infected people in hospital has fallen by six to 245.

Greater Glasgow and Clyde accounted for the most new cases, with 92 positive tests from the region.

NHS Lanarkshire has recorded another 30 cases - up from 20 on Saturday and an increase on the 16 announced on Friday when it warned the region was close to having to reintroduce restrictions, similar to those imposed on other parts of western Scotland.

NHS Grampian, where the Aberdeen bar cluster was identified last month, has recorded an increase of 14 new cases - a sharp rise from the two announced on Saturday.

A total of 18 positive tests were registered by NHS Lothian, 11 cases have been discovered in Ayrshire and Arran, four in the Borders, three in Dumfries and Galloway, eight in Fife, 14 in the Forth Valley, six in the Highlands, and eight in Tayside.

No new cases were discovered in Shetland, Orkney or the Western Isles.