Three more people die with coronavirus in Scotland

Another three people have died with coronavirus in Scotland.

Nicola Sturgeon confirmed the latest Covid-19 deaths as she announced another 176 new cases in the country overnight.

It is the first day there have been three Covid deaths in Scotland since June 30, and takes the death toll among confirmed coronavirus patients to 2499.

But including suspected Covid cases and people whose coronavirus tests were more than 28 days ago, the number of total fatalities is 4233.

Tuesday’s 176 new infections represent 2.3% of newly-tested Scots, the third day in a row it has been above 2%.

Of the new cases, 91 are in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde health board region, where indoor household gatherings have been banned in five council areas.

Residents of Glasgow City, East Renfrewshire, West and East Dunbartonshire and Renfrewshire cannot host or visit people from other households in their homes.

Speaking at the Scottish Government’s daily briefing, the First Minister said the latest statistics are a reminder of the virus’ impact.

She added: “Most of all, of course, that figure speaks of three individual tragedies.

“I want to send my condolences to those who are grieving as a result of the deaths reported today and also to everyone who has lost a loved one during this pandemic.”

A further 32 of Tuesday’s infections are in Lanarkshire, 16 are in Lothian and eight are in Ayrshire and Arran.

There are 267 people in hospital with confirmed or suspected Covid-19, an increase of 11 in 24 hours.

Of these patients, six were in intensive care, up one.

Nicola Sturgeon said the “really unwelcome” decision to impose more lockdown restrictions in the Greater Glasgow area – Renfrewshire and East Dunbartonshire were added to the list at midnight – is a “proportionate” response to rising coronavirus cases.

She told the briefing: “Overall, I believe that they represent a proportionate and hopefully effective – but also an absolutely necessary – response to a worrying increase in Covid-19 across these areas.

“The restrictions will be reviewed again next week and they will stay in place for as long as they are needed, but they will not stay in place for any longer than that.”

The First Minister added that the rise in coronavirus cases in Inverclyde and Lanarkshire “does not warrant additional restrictions” but that officials will keep that under review.