Coronavirus: 343 more cases as Scots urged to follow rules

A further 343 coronavirus cases have been recorded in Scotland overnight, the Scottish Government has confirmed.

Total confirmed cases of the virus in Scotland since the start of the pandemic has now risen to 219,986.

The daily test positivity rate is 2.7%, up from the 2.1% reported on Saturday when 397 cases were recorded.

No further deaths have been reported.

The death toll of those who tested positive currently stands at 7614, however weekly figures on suspected Covid-19 deaths recorded by National Records of Scotland suggest the most up-to-date total is at least 9958.

It was also confirmed on Sunday that 2,553,837 Scots have received their first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, an increase of 17,948 from the day before.

A total of 451,057 people have received their second dose, a rise of 16,116.

Earlier on Sunday, deputy first minister John Swinney urged Scots to continue following the coronavirus restrictions as rules ease over the Easter weekend.

The ‘stay at home’ order was lifted on Friday and replaced with guidance to ‘stay local’, which urges people to remain within their local authority area.

Further easing will take place on Monday, with garden centres, homeware stores and click and collect services allowed to reopen, along with barbers and hairdressers.

Swinney said: “The virus is down but it’s not yet out, and the last thing we need is to see it making a comeback and undoing all the progress from the massive effort and sacrifices we have all had to make.

“My message is simple – enjoy the latest relaxing of the rules but remember to look out for each other too. Together we will beat this virus.”