ANOTHER 70 people have tested positive for Covid-19 in Scotland, the First Minister has announced.
However, Nicola Sturgeon warned the latest figures are not complete because of a backlog of test results at laboratories across the UK.
The new cases represent 2.7% of newly tested individuals and bring the total to 22,749.
No deaths were recorded among confirmed coronavirus patients in the past 24 hours, meaning the toll remains 2499.
On the testing backlog, the First Minister explained: “Today's numbers – both the overall results reported through the UK-wide system, and the number of positive cases, are lower than they have been in recent days, and we believe they are not yet complete.
“We understand other parts of the UK are experiencing similar issues this morning and we are seeking to resolve these urgently.
“However, it's important that I am frank that we now have a very serious concern that the backlog of test results being faced by the UK lab network – which the Glasgow Lighthouse lab is part of – is starting to impact on the timeous reporting of Scottish results."
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She added: "This apparent delay in turnaround is causing us concern and therefore we'll be seeking to escalate these discussions with the UK Government over the course of today. Let me stress that we are keen – very keen – to play our full part in addressing these issues, and finding solutions to them urgently, but we need the UK Government to share the full scale and nature of the issues they're facing, and the impact they're having on Scotland in order that we can collectively, and very quickly, find solutions. We will give an update on any changes to today's figures as soon as possible.”
The daily update also revealed that 264 people are in hospital with confirmed Covid-19, 5 more than 24 hours previously.
Of those, seven are in intensive care – no change from the day before. Speaking at the Scottish Government’s briefing, Sturgeon said: "I think it's worth reflecting on the sad fact that it was 6 months ago yesterday that the first death from Covid was confirmed in Scotland. That death, and each and every one we've seen since then, has been a source of grief and heartbreak to families across the country.
“Therefore I want, again today, to pass on my condolences to everyone who has lost someone."
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