The Scottish Government has confirmed that 24 people have died from coronavirus in the last 24 hours,
The latest figures for Scotland showed that 2,459 new cases had also been identified overnight.
It brings the death toll since last March – of people who first tested positive for the virus within the previous 28 days – to 8,954.
There are currently 869 people in hospital confirmed to have the virus with 46 being treated in intensive care.
The total number of positive cases since the pandemic started stands at 612,416.
To date 4,291,650 people have received their first vaccination with 3,881,744 having a second jab.
The latest figures come as it emerged that secondary school pupils in Scotland will continue to wear face coverings in class.
New guidance from the Scottish Government suggests that a more cautious approach is being taken in schools, advised by clinicians including chief medical officer Dr Gregor Smith, to provide ample time for 12-15 year olds to take up the first dose of the Covid vaccination.
A sharp drop in cases across the country has slowed, with figures rarely dropping below 2,000 per day in the past three weeks.
Face coverings in communal areas for secondary pupils and staff, as well as primary staff, will also continue.
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