THERE are concerns Scots are becoming “slightly more relaxed” about following physical distancing rules as figures suggest Covid-19 cases are increasing in the nation’s biggest cities.

Of all the new coronavirus cases reported in the Lothian area in the past month, more than a quarter were detected in the last three days – and similar patterns can be seen in the Grampian and Greater Glasgow regions.

Across Scotland last week there were 86 cases reported in total from Monday to Sunday, up from 63 during the previous week. Cases had fallen steadily every week since the peak in April.

The increase comes after Scotland began to reopen more – with beer gardens and outdoor dining allowed from July 6, and more people allowed to meet with others from separate households indoors and outdoors with physical distancing from July 10.

John Swinney, the deputy first minister, praised the “extraordinarily high” use of face coverings in shops and public transport, but called on people to continue to observe social distancing measures to prevent further spikes.

He told The Herald: "My sense is that people are becoming slightly more relaxed about physical distancing.

"I think we've got to watch that very carefully and I appeal to members of the public to keep following the physical distancing regulations that are in place, because that way we reduce the risk of connection and contact that can support transmission."

Covid-19 cases by health board show Lothian had 41 new cases since June 20, but 27% were reported since Friday. Meanwhile in Glasgow there have been 95 new cases since June 20 with 18% of those reported since Friday.

In Grampian, 23% of new cases reported since June 20 were recorded over the weekend, and in Ayrshire and Arran the equivalent was 28%.

Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles have reported no cases for more than four weeks.

According to recent estimates, there are about 700 people with Covid-19 currently in Scotland.