'Optimism' from Sturgeon ahead of restrictions decision
The First Minister will set out the 'move beyond level 0' next week - with further lifting of restrictions expected on August 9.
Nicola Sturgeon says there have been "some very positive developments recently" as the Scottish Government prepare to outline further easing of Covid restrictions.
Next week the First Minister will outline the move beyond Level 0, with whatever is announced expected to go into force on August 9.
She said a number of factors would be considered before making a decision.
The First Minister said: "In short, we have seen some very positive developments recently, and that does give us grounds for optimism that we will be able to continue progress, out of restrictions.
"That said, we do still need to be cautious.'' She continued.
Also at her briefing today the First Minister said over 4 Million people have now had their first dose of the vaccine.
The total number of second doses has reached 3,108,928.
She said: "I'm pleased to say that firstly, as of this morning, a new milestone has passed.
"More than four million people - 4,000,653 to be precise - have now received a first dose of vaccine.''
She added: "All adults have now been offered a first dose of the vaccine and 90% have taken up that offer and had the first dose.
"In addition, approximately 70% of adults have now had both doses of the vaccine - that includes 92% of those who are aged 40 or older.''
Scotland has recorded seven deaths of coronavirus patients and 1,044 new coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours, Nicola Sturgeon has announced.
It means the death toll under the daily measure - of people who first tested positive for the virus within the previous 28 days - is now 7,866.
The First Minister told a Scottish Government coronavirus briefing the daily test positivity rate was 5.6%, down from 8% on Monday.
There were 472 people in hospital on Sunday with recently confirmed Covid-19, down three on the previous day, with 63 patients in intensive care, down two.
Also in today's Covid briefing the First Minister made a plea for pregnant women to roll up their sleeves.