Coronavirus update: Hospitality restrictions extended for a further week

In Scotland in the last 24 hours there have been a total of 1739 positive cases which equates to 19.8 per cent of newly tested individuals and 9.7 per cent of those tested overall.

NHS Greater Glasgow saw 605 cases, Lanarkshire 520, Lothian 250 and Ayrshire105 which continue to include catch ups from the weekend.

A further 28 additional deaths were registered, the highest since May 21.

Speaking at her daily briefing First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "The figures are concerning as we consider our next steps in the fight against the virus.

"On Friday we will publish a new framework for managing the virus and it will include new levels.

"They will be applied from November 2 and will be assessed in the coming days for each area in Scotland.

"We cannot rule out that they will not include tougher restrictions, but will be balanced by an assessment of the wider harms that restrictions cause.

"We have a short term decision - we are extending measures on hospitality for a further week and will be extending the support offered."

She continued: "The clinical advice is that it would not be safe to lift restriction from Monday and this will allow a smoother transition to the new levels in November.

"The rule against visiting other's houses will also remain in place."

She said: "None of these decisions are being taken lightly, we do believe they will and indeed are already making a difference."

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