Coronavirus: More than a thousand in hospital and nearly 6000 cases

There are more than 1000 people in Scottish hospitals with recently confirmed Covid-19, the highest level in seven months.

According to government figures published on Sunday, 1019 patients in hospitals on Saturday had tested positive for the virus with 88 in intensive care – the most in ICUs since February.

The statistics show the highest number of people in hospital with the virus since February 23, when there were 1076 patients with 93 in ICU.

NHS boards have suspended surgeries and outpatient services in order to cope with demand.

NHS Fife said it was facing “unprecedented pressures”. NHS Ayrshire and Arran has cancelled some planned services so it can redeploy staff to cover emergency care.

In the previous 24 hours, 5912 new cases of Covid-19 were reported, with the proportion of positive test results increasing from 10.9% to 11.5%.

Scottish Ambulance staff are “struggling” to cope with the demand for coronavirus tests as the daily average rockets from 3500 to 14,000.

Unite the union said the Scottish Ambulance Service should declare a “major incident” as emergency patients face delays to being admitted.

There were no further deaths reported on Sunday, but this follows a total of 32 deaths over the previous two days.

On Friday, 22 deaths of those who had recently tested positive for Covid-19 were recorded – the biggest daily rise since July.

The latest estimates from the Office for National Statistics suggested Scotland is seeing its highest level of Covid infection since estimates began.

Government figures show 4,140,616 people have received the first dose of their Covid vaccination and 3,777,461 have received their second dose of the jab.

Scotland’s health secretary has urged people “not to leave the job half done” on being vaccinated against Covid-19 and take up their second dose.

Humza Yousaf made the plea on the day the government said every adult in the country had been offered the opportunity to be fully vaccinated.

It comes as Scotland prepares to ask for proof of Covid-19 jabs from October 1.

England will not introduce vaccine passports for large events or entry to nightclubs, the UK health minister said on Sunday.

Sajid Javid said he was “pleased” to UK Government would not be going ahead with the plans.