Covid in Scotland: Number of virus cases rises by 758

Covid in Scotland: Swinney says rising virus cases 'cause for concern'

Scotland's deputy first minister has warned further restrictions may be introduced to combat the spread of coronavirus.

John Swinney said the "rising prevalence" of the virus in Scotland was a "cause for for concern".

People would be given as much notice as possible of any new rules, he added.

The latest statistics show there were 758 new cases of Covid reported in the last 24 hours - 13.3% of newly tested individuals.

There have been no further deaths.

A total of 2,530 people have died in Scotland within 28 days of receiving a positive test during the pandemic.

The latest Scottish government figures also show yet another daily rise in the number of patients being treated in hospital.

Jason Leitch, Scotland's national clinical director, has previously said a "circuit breaker" lockdown was being seriously considered, potentially over the October school holidays.

Speaking on the BBC's Politics Scotland, Mr Swinney said: "We are seeing a rising prevalence of coronavirus within our community. That has been going on for some time.

"Obviously the statistics are a cause for concern and they are a reminder to all of us of the key aspects of following the FACTS advice."

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Asked if additional measures may be required to combat the spread of the virus, the deputy first minister said: "There may be a requirement to bring in further restrictions and we keep this under constant review."

Mr Swinney would not be drawn on what this may mean and said the Scottish government would endeavour to give the public as much advance notice as possible.

But he cautioned that events can move "very quickly" and that may not be possible.

In Scotland, there are currently 210 people in hospital confirmed as having the virus, an increase of 19 since Saturday.

Of those patients, 22 are in intensive care, one fewer than on Saturday.

'Rising prevalence'

A total of 266 cases were detected in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, 176 in NHS Lothian and 138 in NHS Lanarkshire.

Positive tests were recorded in 11 of Scotland's 14 health board areas, with the exceptions of NHS Western Isles, NHS Shetland and NHS Orkney.

The total number of positive tests recorded since March is now 32,209.

On Saturday Scotland's national clinical director told BBC Scotland the rise in intensive care figures over the last week were a "very, very loud warning bell that this pandemic is worsening."

Prof Leitch also said a "circuit breaker" lockdown "remains a possibility" and also expressed alarm over the ongoing situation in Lanarkshire.