As the Armed Forces are enlisted to ease pressure on the NHS, coronavirus cases continue to surge in Edinburgh and the rest of Scotland, as the death toll rises to 8,514.
Today in Scotland, there was a total of 3,667 positive cases reported, which brings the total to 550,090 across the country.
Sadly, 50 more people have died of Covid-related illnesses, with two of those from the City of Edinburgh council area.
As for the capital, the City of Edinburgh reported 1,682 new cases of the virus overnight, with a seven day positivity rating of 318.8.
That is a 6.4 per cent test positivity, meaning that 6.4 per cent of all tests carried out in this area alone are positive.
The neighbourhood of Liberton East is the only area of the capital that reported between zero and two cases, which means it is regarded as a 'Covid-free' area of Edinburgh.
A total of 566 new infections were recorded in the NHS Lothian health board area, with 278 of those in Edinburgh alone.
On the other hand, the area of Dalmeny, Kirkliston and Newbridge reported the highest amount of cases in the capital, with a total of 69 positive cases in a population of 8,502.
This brings their seven day positivity rate to almost 1,000, sitting at 811.6.
Although this is an improvement from previous weeks ratings, the level at which the virus is spreading is still concerning.
However, the number of people in hospital has dropped by 46, and there are seven less people in intensive care with Covid -related illnesses.
Other neighbourhoods that are exceptionally high include Gilmerton South and the Murrays (34 cases), Clovenstone and Wester Hailes (30 cases), Cramond (20 cases), Comely Bank (28 cases), and Broomhouse and Bankhead (25 cases).
These figures come as Scotland's national health service faces one of its biggest crises as it attempts to deal with the high number of cases across the country alongside seasonal illnesses.
Soldiers, taxi firms and firefighters have also been drafted in to help ease pressure on the ambulance service that is at breaking point.
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf also announced that an additional £20 million worth of funding will be provided for the Scottish Ambulance Service to deal with the pressures on the system.
As for vaccinations, 76.3 per cent of the entire Scottish population has had their first dose, and 69.9 per cent have had both doses.
Today, 3,976 new vaccinations were reported, which is a decrease from from yesterdays figure of 5,342. This was made up of 2,222 first doses, and 1,754 second doses.
