ANOTHER 26 people have tested positive for Covid-19, the First Minister has confirmed.
Once again, no new coronavirus deaths were reported in the past 24 hours. It means a total of 2491 patients have died in Scotland after being diagnosed with the disease.
Nicola Sturgeon said announced that 19,358 people have tested positive, up by 26 from yesterday.
Some 13 of these new cases are in the Grampian health board area.
There are 248 people in hospital with confirmed or suspected Covid-19, an increase of five in 24 hours.
Of these patients, three were in intensive care, no change from the previous day.
Speaking during the Scottish Government's daily briefing, the FM said the death toll “is still a reminder of the dreadful impact the virus has had”.
She added: “My condolences again go to everyone who has suffered loss.
“As always, let me thank everyone who is still working hard in a variety of different capacities across the country to help us through this pandemic."
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Sturgeon also announced an updated testing strategy would be published, setting out the Scottish Government's priorities for this phase of handling coronavirus.
While the top priority is still the testing of those with symptoms of Covid-19, the First Minister said the secondary priority would be to test those who have been in contact with people who have been found to be carrying the virus.
People working in high-risk environments such as care homes, the First Minister said, were the third priority.
The strategy sets out an objective to increase the capacity for testing in Scotland, from 40,000 per day to 65,000, as well as improving accessibility to tests.
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