A FURTHER 22 people have tested positive for Coivd-19 in Scotland, the First Minister has confirmed.
Most of the new cases are in Lanarkshire, with a total of 18,474 people now known to have contracted the disease across the country.
The First Minister said at least some of the new cases are thought to be linked to a cluster which originated in a call centre in Motherwell.
Speaking at the Scottish Government’s briefing, she said: “The provisional information I have at this stage is that the majority of these cases are in Lanarkshire, and at least some of them are likely to be connected to the outbreak at the Sitel call centre that has been doing work for NHS England.
"I will chair a Scottish Government resilience meeting later this afternoon to consider the latest situation in Lanarkshire and also consider any further steps that may be required."
There have been no further deaths among coronavirus patients, meaning the death toll under that measurement remains 2491.
Some 618 patients are currently in hospital with the virus, either confirmed or suspected. That's 51 more than yesterday and includes an increase of four in the number of confirmed cases.
A total of four people last night were in intensive care with confirmed Covid-19, a rise of one since yesterday. There were also 16 people in ICU with suspected coronavirus, nine more than yesterday.
The First Minister welcomed the news of no further deaths, but warned: “The overall figure for deaths is a reminder of how many families have been deeply affected by this virus, and my thoughts are with every family who is grieving the loss of a loved one."
Sturgeon also explained that from now on there will be a change in the reporting of hospital statistics.
She explained: “It's worth saying although we have all along reported both suspected and confirmed Covid patients in hospital or ICU, that has sometimes caused fluctuations in the daily figures.
“That is partly because most patients in hospital over the age of 70 are now tested for Covid every four days or so. These patients are often counted as suspected Covid cases until their results come back – even if there is no reason to believe they actually have the virus.
“For that reason, from tomorrow, we intend to report only on confirmed Covid cases in intensive care and in hospital, which, I think, gives us a more accurate picture of the situation."
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