Nicola Sturgeon will confirm the latest weekly review of Scotland's five-tier covid restrictions today for the final run-up to Christmas.
Sturgeon raised concerns yesterday about the rate of infection in the Lothian region, including Edinburgh.
And public health officials are recommending a return to level 3 rules for Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
Last week's review saw the end of the highest level 4 restrictions in Glasgow and much of west central Scotland. There has been no suggestion yet that level 4 could be reimposed today.
The First Minister earlier said she wants today's review to be the last before Christmas when rules loosen over five days from December 23.
Public health experts are worried about the relaxation but Sturgeon has already signed off on the UK-wide plan.
Yesterday, Sturgeon defended keeping Edinburgh at level 3, which prevents pubs from selling alcohol.
She said: "It would not be a sensible thing to do to ease restrictions. It would be like pouring petrol on smouldering embers."
Sturgeon said cases are also on the rise in Midlothian, at level 3, and in East Lothian, which currently at level 2.
Outbreaks are causing concern among public health officials in the north-east.
"These are not straightforward decisions," Sturgeon said yesterday.
"It would be much easier if it was a simple algorithm but it's not. We have to apply lots of judgement as right as possible to stop the situation deteriorating."
The decisions come as London tightens its restrictions and fears grow over a new strain of coronavirus in south-east England.
