Covid cases 'likely to remain high' as 30 deaths recorded overnight

Scotland has recorded 30 deaths and 7565 new cases of coronavirus in the last 24 hours.

Official statistics published on Tuesday also indicated that as of Monday, 1177 people were in hospital with recently confirmed Covid-19.

A total number of 29 people were in intensive care with a recently confirmed case of the virus.

In a statement on Covid-19 at the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said there are “grounds for confidence” as the country enters a “calmer phase” of the coronavirus pandemic.

“We can continue to be optimistic, as we look ahead to spring,” the SNP leader told MSPs.

“Case levels are likely to remain high for some time and may increase further as a result of the recent easing of protections.

“There are good grounds for confidence that we are again entering a calmer phase of the pandemic.

“Between now and then, we will continue to engage on its contents and Parliament will get the opportunity to debate and vote on the framework.”

Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross challenged the Scottish Government over its proposals to make some pandemic powers permanent.

“The Coronavirus Bill they proposed last week is a dangerous power grab,” he said.

“Their legislation that they’re putting forward says it would give the Government the power to close businesses and schools, to let prisoners out of jail early and force people back into lockdowns in their own home.

“That is a power grab from this SNP government.”

He added: “What is more worrying than anything is they could do all of that without ever coming back into this Chamber and this Parliament.

“These powers are extraordinary, they were introduced to be used in an emergency only.

“Outside of the most severe crisis, the Government shouldn’t have such sweeping, extensive powers to curb freedoms and control people’s lives.”