Scotland's Chief Medical Officer, Professor Sir Gregor Smith, gave evidence to the UK Covid inquiry in Edinburgh
He said that Zero Covid - a strategy for eliminating of the virus - had not been a viable option in Scotland
He earlier told the inquiry that he regularly deleted WhatsApp messages, but that any important information was captured in emails
The inquiry also saw a WhatsApp conversation in which Sir Gregor told colleagues to delete messages "every day"
The chief medical officer denied there had been a lack of urgency in reacting to the disease in early 2020
NHS Scotland chief executive Caroline Lamb earlier rejected suggestions that lessons had not been learned by the time a third wave of infections hit Scotland in 2021
Questioned about testing and discharges from hospitals, she says there was not "great data" about who was in care homes
Image source, PA MediaFirst up this morning is NHS Scotland chief executive Caroline Lamb and the director general of health and social care.
Then Scotland's Chief Medical Officer Prof Sir Gregor Smith.
Sir Gregor continues to give evidence after lunch.
The former chief scientific adviser for Scotland Prof Sheila Rowan is then expected to appear.
Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of the UK Covid inquiry which is taking evidence from witnesses in Edinburgh.
Former judge Lady Hallett will chair this second week of public hearings at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.
The witnesses today will include Scotland's Chief Medical Officer Prof Sir Gregor Smith.
We’ll bring you live reports, background and analysis of the proceedings.
If you want to watch live from about 10:00, stick with us and press the play icon at the top of the page.