The first minister begins saying she will shortly set out the latest review of Covid-19 alert levels.

First Ms Sturgeon highlights the latest Covid-19 statistics.

She confirms a further 754 people have tested positive for Covid-19. That is 7.3% of the total number of tests carried out.

This takes the total number of positive cases in Scotland to 95,811.

1,021 patients are in hospital with a confirmed case (down 20), with 70 being treated in intensive care (down five).

A further 34 people who tested positive have had their deaths registered, taking the total by that measure to 3,759.

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Nicola Sturgeon will now announce the review of Covid alert levels at Holyrood.

• What are the rules in your area?
• When will I be vaccinated against Covid?
• A reality check on the virus's second wave

• First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is set to announce whether there will be any changes to Scotland's Covid-19 alert levels

• Ms Sturgeon will announce any changes to the levels at Holyrood from around 2.20pm
• The first minister has stressed that the 11 areas under level four - the harshest restrictions - will remain there until 11 December
• The latest figures reveal a further 754 people have tested positive for Covid-19. That is 7.3% of the total number of tests carried out
• A further 34 people who tested positive have had their deaths registered, taking the total by that measure to 3,759.
• Debenhams stores are set to close after the failure of last-ditch efforts to rescue the ailing store chain
• Health and care workers in Scotland are to be given a £500 payment as a "thank you" for their work during the pandemic

The latest Scottish government figures reveal a further 754 people have tested positive for Covid-19. That is 7.3% of the total number of tests carried out.

This takes the total number of positive cases in Scotland to 95,811.

1,021 patients are in hospital with a confirmed case (down 20), with 70 being treated in intensive care (down five).

A further 34 people who tested positive have had their deaths registered, taking the total by that measure to 3,759.

Fiona Walker
BBC Scotland

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From this week the Scottish government says hospitals will do coronavirus tests on all patients that are admitted to a ward needing urgent care, with staff testing also being increased

NHS Forth Valley started a pilot system two weeks ago doing rapid tests on urgent patients to ensure they are Covid-free when being admitted to hospital.

While the main laboratory at the Royal Hospital in Larbert processes around 600 Covid tests a day, a new mini lab, led by biomedical scientist Joanne Lyon, deals with smaller numbers that can be turned around within 50 minutes.

Ms Lyon says despite the speed, the test is just as accurate. “We undergo quality control testing and validation to ensure results are accurate and clinicians can rely on the result they are getting,” she tells BBC Scotland.

Dr Elan Tsarfati, a consultant microbiologist at the hospital, says the new tests feed into a ‘traffic light system’ that means non-Covid treatment can also continue as much as possible.

Labour MSP Iain Gray asks what consideration the Scottish government is giving to lengthening the school Christmas holidays, in light of COVID-19 concerns.

It has been suggested that the holiday dates could be standardised across the country, with all schools closing on 18 December and reopening on 11 January.

The proposal is designed to limit the spread of Covid after families get together for Christmas.

Education Secretary John Swinney says clinical and expert advice is being considered by the government and he says he "plans to come to a decision at the earliest opportunity".

• 2.05-2.20pm Topical Questions: Today on whether the Christmas school holidays should be lengthened and BiFab
• 2.20-3.05pm Ministerial Statement: COVID-19 - the first minister will update MSPs on the latest review of Covid-19 alert levels across Scotland
• 3.05-4.35pm Equalities and Human Rights Committee Debate: Valuing the Third Sector

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• 4.35-6.25pm Public Petitions Committee Debate: Mental Health Support for Young People in Scotland
• 6:25pm Decision Time
• 6:25pm Members' Business — Life After Death, Supporting Carers After Bereavement

You can watch the proceedings at the Scottish Parliament here with us on this live page.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is set to announce whether there will be any changes to Scotland's Covid-19 alert levels.

Each council's position in the five-level system is reviewed every Tuesday.

The first minister has stressed that the 11 areas under level four - the harshest restrictions - will remain there until 11 December.

Public health officials have recommended Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire should move up to level three.

There has been an increase in the figures across NHS Grampian, and an investigation has been launched into Covid cases linked to an Aberdeenshire food plant.

• Is your area in the toughest level?
• What are the rules in your area?
• When will I be vaccinated against Covid?
• A reality check on the virus's second wave

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Douglas Lumsden, co-leader of Aberdeen City Council, said he put forward “the economic and social case” for the city to remain in level two in a meeting with Deputy First Minister John Swinney yesterday.

Mr Lumsden told BBC Radio Scotland earlier that infection rates are “well within the range for tier two” and it was more the positivity rate that has raised concerns, although the figure is “really marginal”.

He said the figures may have been distorted by 78 cases linked to an Aberdeenshire meat processing plant, plus outbreaks at a ward at Woodend Hospital, and at a care home.

“If you take those numbers in isolation, I am hoping we will be given the benefit of the doubt,” he said. “We feel we have got a specific economic case for us not to be moving into tier three.”

Mr Lumsden said Aberdeen had already suffered a “double hit” economically from not just coronavirus, but a downturn in the oil and gas industry, with more than 5,000 jobs at risk. The biggest losers of a move to level three, he said, would be the hospitality industry and retail.

1. Scottish government: Coronavirus (COVID-19): what you can and cannot do, external

View guidance for the festive period, external. Full guidance and latest figures on the main Coronavirus page, external.

2. Guidance for students returning home, external

3. Postcode checker, external for COVID restrictions by protection level in areas of Scotland

4. NHS Inform, external

The latest from NHS Scotland and the Scottish government, including social distancing, face covering and stay at home advice

5. Test and Protect, external

If you have Covid-19 symptoms go immediately to NHS Inform online or phone 0800 028 2816 to book a test

6. The ready.scot, external website

It has been updated with the latest help and advice and how you can help others. The helpline number remains: 0800 111 4000

6. The Clear Your Head website, external

It's ok to not feel yourself right now, here are some tips to help get you through the pandemic.

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Good afternoon and welcome to BBC Scotland's rolling coverage of the Covid-19 pandemic in Scotland on Tuesday 1 December 2020.

Nicola Sturgeon will deliver an update on the latest review of Scotland's restriction levels from about 14:20.

We'll find out shortly if any part of Scotland will see a change in their local Covid restrictions.