Scotland is likely to face tougher lockdown restrictions within the coming days, Nicola Sturgeon announced this afternoon.
The First Minister wants to move quickly to get the virus "back under control", she said at her daily briefing.
The news came as 255 fresh cases were reported today.
This represents 6.3 per cent of people newly tested and takes the total number of cases to 24,626.
Across Ayrshire, seven new positive tests have been recorded since yesterday. The total for the region now stands at 1535.
At the moment, 73 people are in hospital with coronavirus and 8 people are in intensive care.
The First Minister said: "The Scottish cabinet will meet tomorrow to take stock and I am very clear that it must be in a position to decide the way ahead for Scotland within the next 48 hours.
"And I need to be absolutely straight with people across Scotland that additional restrictions will almost certainly be put in place in Scotland over the next couple of days.
"If we move sharply now to get the virus back under control, we can minimise the time we all spend under any new restrictions.
"If we wait, it will take longer – potentially a lot longer – to come out of the other side.
"For that reason, as I indicated on Friday, we are preparing to introduce a package of additional measures with the intention of bringing the R number back below 1.
"Now ideally, at least some of these decisions will be taken on a four-nations basis, across the UK."
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.
