The number of coronavirus infections identified by the national test and trace service has increased by almost a third in a week, our health correspondent Shaun Lintern reports.
According to new data published today, 6,616 new people tested positive for Covid-19 in the week to 12 August, an increase of 27 per cent compared to the week before.
This increase comes despite a 2 per cent drop in the number of people being tested. Within NHS labs, the increase in positive cases has jumped 34 per cent in a week, the first notable rise in NHS run labs since test and trace was launched.
Officials say that while testing is being targeted at hotspot areas where more people may test positive, the data shows a general creeping up of infection rates across the country since July.
– Scotland records largest surge in new cases in nearly three months
Scotland has recorded the highest number of daily coronavirus cases in almost three months, Nicola Sturgeon said.
The First Minister said 19,534 people have tested positive for the virus in Scotland, up by 77 from 19,457 the day before. There have been no new fatalities.
There are 249 people in hospital with confirmed or suspected Covid-19, an increase of one in 24 hours. Of these patients, two were in intensive care, no change from the previous day.
Ms Sturgeon pressed ahead with the planned lifting of restrictions on some outdoor live events, contact sports, driving lessons, and indoor face-to-face advice services, but did not move to the next phase in Scotland’s lockdown plan, warning the R rate “could currently be above one”.
