Scotland records 154 new coronavirus cases a day after three-month high
The First Minister says the rise in cases in Greater Glasgow and Clyde is "causing concern"
Scotland has recorded 154 new cases of coronavirus in the last 24 hours after a three-month high in the daily figures on Monday.
Six people are in intensive care with a confirmed case of Covid-19, and 264 people are in hospital.
With another day of no deaths recorded, the number of fatalities remains at 2,494, with 20,632 cases in total since the pandemic began.
The 154 new cases equates to 1.2% of newly tested individuals on Tuesday.
Ahead of announcing the Scottish Government's Programme for Government, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “However, I would draw attention to the fact that 66 of today's cases are in Greater Glasgow and Clyde, and the situation there is causing us some concern.
“Further analysis is under way, and I will be chairing a meeting of the Resilience Committee late this afternoon to consider what action may be necessary.
“I will provide a further update after that.”
On Monday 160 new cases of Covid-19 were recorded, the highest total since May 16 and an increase on the 123 announced on Sunday.
The Scottish Government figures also reported provisional figures from Friday indicating that 22,821 pupils were absent either for all or part of the school day for coronavirus-related reasons.
The absence rate related to Covid-19 was 3.2%, and 12.3% for unrelated issues.
It came as a cluster of five cases of Covid-19 was confirmed in the community of Grantown.
Dr Tim Allison, public health director with NHS Highland, said: “We would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone that the virus can recur even in rural communities and so everyone should continue to adhere to physical distancing guidelines, wear a face covering when in enclosed spaces, clean your hands and surfaces regularly, and immediately self-isolate if you develop symptoms.”
Five positive cases were also identified in the NHS Forth Valley area on Monday.
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