One in 90 Scots 'estimated to have had Covid last week'

Around one in 90 people in Scotland are estimated to have had Covid-19 last week, according to statisticians.

Experts at the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said they estimate that 60,000 people in the country had the virus in the week ending July 10.

In England, the figure is estimated to be around 577,700 people with the virus, equating to around one in 95 people.

The ONS said that cases compatible with the Delta variant has continued to increase across Scotland, England and in Northern Ireland.

Earlier this week, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed that Scotland will move to level zero coronavirus restrictions on Monday, July 19.

Making the announcement virtually to the Scottish Parliament, she explained that the country would do so with ‘certain modifications’ to the government’s indicative plans.

Amongst the changes under level zero, hospitality venues will be permitted to stay open until midnight – extended from the current curfew of 10pm.

Up to eight people from four households will also be able to enter homes and stay overnight, whilst up to ten people from four households can meet in an indoor public place such as a bar or restaurant.

A move to return staff to workplaces however was delayed until Scotland moves beyond level zero.

August 9 has been set as an indicative date for when all main coronavirus restrictions will be lifted in Scotland, but ministers have set out an ongoing need for face masks and other basic measures to continue.

Deputy first minister John Swinney suggested earlier this week that masks could be a requirement until Christmas.

He added: “We know the virus is going to be with us for a long time so the more that we can do, a gradual elementary level to provide obstacles and barriers to the circulation of this virus, the more we should do that.”