A FURTHER 18 people who tested positive for coronavirus have died, taking the total to 2688 deaths in Scotland by that measure.
Scottish Government figures revealed 975 patients are in hospital with a confirmed case, 41 more than on Thursday.
A further 76 are being treated in intensive care, a rise of two.
Nicola Sturgeon warned that hospital admissions, ITU admissions and deaths are likely to rise for some time.
But she says, looking at the recent data, there are signs the recent restrictions are working and there are signs of progress.
In the week leading up to Friday 9 October, the average number of new cases increased to 907, 52% up on the previous week.
In the week leading up to last Friday, 16 October, the average was 1171, which was an increase of 29% on the previous week.
Today the increase was an average of 1255 cases, up by 7%.
The FM said: "Cases are still rising but the rate appears to be slowing down and that gives us grounds for optimism.
"It is likely the intervention having the most impact is the restriction on going into other people's homes. We are hopeful we will see a further slowing from hospitality restrictions in the weeks ahead."
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