ANOTHER 203 people have tested positive for Covid-19 in Scotland, the Government has announced.

The new cases represent 2.3% of newly tested individuals, bringing the total to 21,397. It is the highest daily increase in cases since May, though the First Minister says reported cases in the early months of the outbreak were likely to be underestimates.

No more deaths were recorded among patients in the past 24 hours, meaning the toll under that measurement remains 2496.

Some 245 people were last night in hospital with confirmed Covid-19, though that figure includes people who are no longer being treated for the disease.

Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: "Today’s numbers show a continued increase, including in % positive. While this reflects the substantial opening up of the economy, it reminds us of the need to deploy strong counter measures. We have two main tools at our disposal. 

"One of these tools is Test & Protect – it is working well and so far reaching well over 90% of positive cases and close contacts. Within next few days we will launch a major enhancement – the Protect Scotland app – which will allow us to reach a wider range of contacts.

"Our other main tool – indeed our first line of defence – is ourselves. As we are all out and about more, we must take greater care on face coverings, hygiene, distance. PLEASE take this opportunity to think how you could tighten up on the #FACTS rules."

Of the 208 cases, 92 were in Glasgow, 30 were in Lanarkshire, 18 were in Lothian and Grampian and Forth Valley had 14 cases each.

Tayside recorded eight cases while Ayrshire and Arran had 11.

The First Minister added: "So far the rise in cases is not matched by a rise in hospital/ICU admissions/deaths. That’s good news but we musn’t be complacent about it. It could be a time lag - some countries, eg France, that have had cases rising for longer are seeing these indicators rise now too.

"All in all, this is a moment to take note and act in a way that prevents spread. Even if you think risk of COVID to yourself is low, don’t risk infecting others more vulnerable. Complying with #FACTS protects you, your family/community and the NHS. It will also save lives."

The last time more people tested positive for Covid-19 was May 8, when there were 225 new cases of infection.

The increase, up from Saturday's figure of 141 people, takes the weekly total of confirmed infections to 1079 – the most over a seven-day period since May 6.

The 2.3% positive rate among newly test people is up from 1.5% yesterday and the highest rate since June 4.

Sturgeon commented: "Comparisons with earlier in year need a bit of context – back then we were testing far fewer people and mainly those in hospital, so reported case numbers then were likely to have been a much bigger underestimate of true prevalence."