THERE have been a further seven deaths from coronavirus in Scotland in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number under that measure to 2422.
It follows two days in which there were no deaths, though they are reported with the caveat that weekend totals are artificially low.
There have now been a total of 15,653 positive cases of coronavirus in Scotland in the last day, and increase of 14, while there are now 1011 people in hospital with coronavirus or suspected coronavirus, a decrease of 31.
There are now 21 people in Scotland in intensive care with coronavirus or suspected coronavirus, a decrease of three, and a total of 3820 people have now left hospital after contracting coronavirus.
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First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said while the rise of seven deaths was "not what we wanted to hear", there was a still a "clear downward trend" in the number of fatalities.
Speaking at her daily briefing in Edinburgh, the First Minister said: "After two consecutive days of reporting zero deaths, today's figure of seven is of course not what we would have wanted to hear, but I think it is important to stress it is not a surprise either.
"We have consistently said we know there is a weekend lag in registration of deaths, as the numbers we report on Tuesdays are usually higher than the numbers we report on Sundays and Mondays.
"So today's figure, though an increase on the last two days, is nevertheless a further indication of a clear downward trend in the number of people who are losing their lives to this virus and that of course is clearly welcome."
Sturgeon also confirmed that data from the Scottish Government Test and Protect scheme will be published on Wednesday.
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