Nicola Sturgeon has given a cautious welcome to figures showing a 31% reduction in new covid cases north of the border.
The First Minister hailed the “very encouraging” trend, but warned the situation remained “fragile”.
Scotland recorded a huge spike in cases after the Government lifted covid restrictions during the summer.
However, in a statement to Holyrood today, Sturgeon provided one of the most positive updates in months:
“Last week, I indicated that we were seeing early signs that the number of new cases might be starting to fall.
“I am glad to say that I am even more confident about that now. The early signs I spoke about last week have become much firmer over the past 7 days.”
She continued: “In the most recent week, which is up to 18 September, new cases have fallen further - by 31%. This is, of course, a very encouraging trend.
“In addition, and in contrast to previous weeks, the fall in cases is spread across all age groups - with declines of more than 10% in every age group.”
She also said one of the steepest falls was in the 20 - 24 age group - a cohort that had low vaccination rates.
Despite the improvements, the First Minister warned: “The position does continue to be fragile.”
She also said there is a risk that cases will rise again as the country moves into autumn and winter.
She said: “The NHS is of course already under considerable pressure.”
Sturgeon also said the number of people in intensive care had increased from 34 on 20th August to 94 today.
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