More than 1100 new cases of coronavirus in Scotland

More than 1100 new cases of coronavirus have been recorded as mainland Scotland moved into a level four lockdown.

The latest figures were published as the First Minister urged people to stay at home “as much as possible”.

Nicola Sturgeon said doing so would help prevent the new and “faster spreading” strain of Covid “running out of control”.

The data published by the Scottish Government confirmed 1149 new cases of the virus have been reported.

A total of 15,411 tests reported results, with the positivity rate just over 8%.

Level 4 restrictions are now in place across mainland Scotland. Please stay home/local as much as possible, to help stop this new, faster spreading strain of the virus running out of control. https://t.co/XuXfTnqMHW
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) December 26, 2020

Figures for deaths, hospital admissions and intensive care cases will not be reported over the festive period, with an update expected on December 29 which will cover the previous four days.

Non-essential shops, pubs and restaurants are shut on mainland Scotland, except for takeaways, drive-throughs and deliveries.

Only essential travel is allowed after the restrictions came into effect on Boxing Day.

The rules are in place for at least three weeks and the lockdown will be reviewed after a fortnight.

As part of the changes, Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles have moved into level three.