National Clinical Director Jason Leitch has issued a stark warning to the people of Scotland that the country may return to March levels of coronavirus by the end of the month.
Speaking at today's daily coronavirus briefing Leitch stated that the latest data suggests that Scotland's R number is currently between 1.3 and 1.7.
Scotland's R number's doubling time is currently 9 days according to the National Clinical Director.
He said: "1000 cases today turns into 2000 cases with no mitigation nine days from now. We estimate there are 2900 new infections per day - not everyone gets tested or has symptoms."
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"With no further action we will be at our March peak of new infections per day by the end of October."
Mr Leitch also stated that the central belt is responsible for around 75% of all new cases.
He said the closest international comparison was that we are four weeks behind France and six weeks behind Spain.
As of 6pm tonight all licenced premises in Lothian will be forced to close for at least two weeks.
