Scotland's COVID-19 cases highest on record for second day
There were 16,857 positive tests on Thursday according to the latest data
Last updated 30th Dec 2021
Coronavirus cases in Scotland are at their highest on record for a second consecutive day, with 16,857 positive tests in the last 24 hours.
The figures published by the Scottish Government on Thursday show 71,612 new tests for Covid-19 reported results and 27.1% of were positive.
The figures include a note advising of delays in between tests being taken and results being reported but saying Public Health Scotland believe turnaround times are improving.
Nine deaths from the virus were recorded in the past 24 hours.
This takes the Covid-19 death toll in Scotland under the daily measure, of people who first tested positive for the virus within the previous 28 days, to 9,845.
There were 810 people in hospital on Wednesday with recently confirmed Covid-19 with 34 in intensive care.
A total of 4,381,226 people have received their first dose of a Covid-19 vaccination, 4,012,490 have received their second dose, and 2,944,977 have received a third dose or booster.
Addressing another record high of daily coronavirus cases in Scotland, the country's 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. Tho remember - being boosted gives you significant protection against becoming v 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 % 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."
She urged people to continue to limit contact with people in other households and to take a test before heading out if mixing with others.
Ms Sturgeon also reminded people who test positive to isolate, everyone to wear face coverings in indoor places, maintain hand hygiene and get their booster vaccination in a drive to have people protected by the new year.
The figures published on Thursday show a total of 4,381,226 people have received their first dose of a Covid-19 vaccination, 4,012,490 have received a second dose, and 2,944,977 have received a third dose or booster.