Covid update: Warning that Covid-19 cases are likely to increase further
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A TOTAL of 9360 people have tested positive for coronavirus in the last 24 hours according to the Scottish government, the fourth day in a row that case numbers have exceeded 8000.
Scotland saw a record high of 11,030 positive cases on Boxing Day and provisional data for December 28 indicates a continued high level of cases of Covid-19 being recorded.
The daily totals for each of the four days from December 25 to 28 were the highest recorded in Scotland since the start of the pandemic.
The figures are -
December 25: 8252 cases.
December 26: 11,030 cases.
December 27: 10,562 cases.
December 28: 9360 cases.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “While these figures remain provisional, the significantly increased transmissibility of Omicron is reflected in the steep increase in cases now materialising, and we would expect to see case numbers rise further in the days to come.
"I am grateful for the continued efforts of the public in complying with the guidance issued in the run up to Christmas.
"Without this, it is likely that the figures would have been even higher.
“These figures serve to underline the importance of people continuing to get ‘boosted by the Bells’ and following the guidance to help slow the spread of Covid-19 while we complete the accelerated booster programme.
“I know it is hard, but it is really important people continue to comply with the guidance over the New Year period.
"We must not underestimate the impact of Omicron.
"Even if the rate of hospitalisation associated with it is lower than past strains of the virus, case numbers this high will still put an inevitable further strain on the NHS, and create significant levels of disruption due to sickness absence across the economy and critical services.
“In addition to observing good hand hygiene and wearing face coverings, please limit your contacts as much as possible, keep any essential indoor gatherings to a maximum of three households, and get boosted by the Bells."
Full catch up reporting will take place on December 29 and 5 January.
Rising infection levels are also resulting in increasing demand for PCR tests, however testing capacity remains available and this should not affect anyone looking to book a test.
PCR test slots are released throughout the day.
If anyone finds there are none available when booking, they are advised to try again later in the day.
