A record one-day rise of 486 new coronavirus cases in Scotland has been confirmed as fresh lockdown restrictions kick into action.
Across Scotland, a total of 25,495 positive tests have been recorded since the end of February from 738,733 tests carried out.
Reflecting on the rise in positive tests over the last 24 hours, which has seen a ban on household gatherings introduced across all of Scotland, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "That's obviously a real cause for concern.
"But it also underlines why we took very decisive and very tough action yesterday to try to get the virus under control."
Figures were released by the Scottish Government this afternoon as part of its update on how COVID-19 is affecting the nation with new restrictions taking effect in a bid to combat its spread.
Of the new cases, 224 have been announced in the NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde region.
A further 107 positive tests have been recorded by NHS Lanarkshire with another 57 in NHS Lothian.
Scotland's death toll has increased by two and now stands at 2,508.
However, data from the National Records of Scotland (NRS) shows 4,247 deaths had been registered up to Sunday, September 20 where the disease was mentioned on the death certificate.
The number of positive coronavirus cases recorded in the NHS Ayrshire & Arran region has risen by 13 to 1,555.
There are fewer than five patients, within the health board's region, in intensive care with confirmed COVID-19.
However, the number of people in hospital with confirmed coronavirus at midnight is up to five.
Confirmed coronavirus cases by health board:
Ayrshire and Arran – 1,555
Borders – 478
Dumfries and Galloway – 360
Fife – 1,165
Forth Valley – 1,336
Grampian – 2,140
Greater Glasgow and Clyde – 7,554
Highland – 574
Lanarkshire – 3,898
Lothian – 4,052
Shetland – 60
Tayside – 2,294
Orkney – 19
Western Isles – 10
Symptoms of coronavirus...
The symptoms of coronavirus are:
- a cough
- a high temperature
- shortness of breath
- a loss of taste and smell
But these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness.
The symptoms are similar to other illnesses that are much more common, such as cold and flu.
How to avoid catching or spreading coronavirus...
- wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
always wash your hands when you get home or into work
use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
put used tissues in the bin straight away and wash your hands afterwards
try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell
do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean
If you think you may have the coronavirus, do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. Call 111 if you need to speak to someone.
