Coronavirus cases for your area as Scotland records…

Coronavirus cases for your area as Scotland records highest ever daily rise in infections

Scotland recorded its highest ever daily rise in coronavirus cases today with infections soaring above 5,000 for the first time.

The Scottish Government announced that 5,021 confirmed cases of Covid were identified by public health experts overnight.

A further five deaths were recorded in the last 24 hours according to the latest data.

But despite the surge in infections, hospitalisations and deaths from the virus remain lowers than those seen during the recent winter spike.

Hospitalisations and deaths currently remain lower than previous waves, which is partially due to the vaccination programme (PA)

Almost 2,000 people were being treated for the virus in Scots hospitals towards the end of January. Public health data shows that the number of Scots in hospital with Covid currently stands at 391.

Public Health Scotland has also provided a breakdown of the number of coronavirus cases in each local authority area.

West Dunbartonshire was identified as having the highest rate of new coronavirus cases, with the 7-day infection rate standing at 787.9 per 100,000 population.

That area was followed by East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, Dumfries & Galloway and Clackmannanshire.

While there is concern over the recent surge in cases, Nicola Sturgeon said that she does not want to go back into lockdown.

The First Minister said: “I don’t want to go back to anything like a full lockdown.

“I don’t want to pre-empt any decision that might or might not - and I hope will not - have to be taken about the imposition of the restrictions.

“But if we, all of us, take the basic precautions right now that we know can slow the virus, then I hope no re-imposition of restrictions will be necessary.

Nicola Sturgeon has not ruled out reimposed more restrictions amid the rise in cases (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

“But I also know that no sensible First Minister, in the face of an infectious virus, would rule anything out, because protecting the population has to be priority.”