THE First Minister has said Scotland “may well” be placed under further coronavirus restrictions in the near future.

Speaking today at the Government’s daily briefing, Nicola Sturgeon said the rising numbers of Covid cases and deaths across Europe meant it was “vital” steps are taken to try to curb the spread of the virus.

However, Sturgeon stressed that any restrictions would be “proportionate” and take into account the harm that they may be doing.

She said: “In Scotland, as it is in many countries right across the UK, the Republic of Ireland, and across Europe, Covid is on the rise again as countries come out of lockdown and, importantly, as we enter the winter period.

“Of course we are seeing the consequences of that not just in the daily case numbers but more importantly in the rise of hospital admissions, in the numbers of people in intensive care and, sadly, in the number of people who are dying from the virus.

READ MORE: Covid in Scotland: Nicola Sturgeon confirms another 697 cases

“So all of that means that it is vital that we do everything we can to get this situation under control. Of course in a proportionate way that allows us to take account of all of the different harms, not just that Covid can do, but that our ways of dealing with Covid can also do.”

The First Minister went on: “Given the numbers we are seeing, and I’ve been very open about this the last few days, it is possible that we will have to do more.

“There may well be a need for some further restrictions in the near future.”

The Scottish Government leader said her cabinet would be meeting tomorrow morning to discuss the latest clinical evidence and advice, although she stressed that no decisions had yet been made.

She said: “If we do decide more restrictions are necessary, and no decision has been taken yet, I want to give an assurance that we will endeavour to give you the public and of course the Scottish Parliament as much notice as possible, as well as a clear explanation of our reasons and rationale.

READ MORE: This is what could happen if there is a second lockdown

“I want to promise you that we do not impose restrictions lightly. If we decide that extra restrictions are necessary, it will be because we deem it necessary and vital to get the virus back under control and avoid unnecessary loss of life.”

The First Minister added that, for now, the best thing we can do to bring the virus back under control is to comply with the current guidance.

She also said that there will be a coronavirus briefing tomorrow afternoon, unless decisions are taken on new restrictions that need to be announced to Parliament instead.

The news comes amid speculation that Scotland will be put into a “circuit-breaker” lockdown for two weeks in order to “buy time”.

Professor Jason Leitch, Scotland’s national clinical director, has said the stopgap measure would help drive the rate of infection down for 28 days, delivering a "short, sharp shock" to the R number.

Last week the First Minister warned that Scotland’s R number could be as high as 1.7.