A further 803 cases of coronavirus have been diagnosed in Scotland as the nation prepares to take its first baby steps out of lockdown.
New figures released by the Scottish Government today show that a total of 196,642 cases have been reported since the outbreak of the pandemic last March.
But with schools set for a phased return from Monday, and an announcement earlier today that indoor care home visits are to resume in 'early March', hope is on the horizon.
The Scottish Goverment has confirmed care home residents will be granted two designated visitors. Each visitor will be allowed to visit once a week.
Health secretary Jeane Freeman said: “The decisions regarding restrictions on visiting for care home residents have been some of the most difficult we have faced and I have the greatest sympathy for those who have been unable to see relatives and loved ones in person for so long.
"We must remain vigilant about the risks but with multiple layers of protection now in place the balance is in favour of allowing visits."
Almost all older care home residents and staff, 99.9 per cent and 92 per cent respectively, have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Across Scotland, 1,412,643 people have received the first dose of their Covid vaccination and 33,473 have received their second dose.
A further 29 deaths have been recorded in the last 24 hours, including four in the NHS Ayrshire & Arran region.
The nation's death toll now stands at 6,945. However, 9,053 deaths have been registered in Scotland where COVID-19 was mentioned on the death certificate up to Sunday, February 14.
A further 65 coronavirus cases have been reported within the NHS Ayrshire & Arran health board region.
There are 136 Covid patients in Ayrshire hospitals – down five on the previous day.
The number of people in intensive care has risen from 13 to 16.
Nationally, 1,154 people are in hospital; 102 in intensive care.
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