SCOTLAND has recorded 93 deaths of coronavirus patients and 1865 new cases in the past 24 hours, according to official figures.

The death toll under this measure – of people who first tested positive for the virus within the previous 28 days – is now 4965.

Scottish Government statistics indicate the daily test positivity rate is 8.7%, up from 8.1% on Friday, when 2301 positive cases were recorded.

A total of 147,889 people have tested positive in Scotland since the start of the pandemic.

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There are 1596 people in hospital confirmed to have Covid-19, up 66 from 1530 in 24 hours.

Of these patients, 109 are in intensive care – up by seven from the previous day.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has described the figures as “a big concern”.

On Twitter, she said: “Covid case numbers still a big concern & putting huge pressure on the NHS, as hospital and ICU cases increase.

“Also, 93 further deaths remind us just how dangerous the virus can be – my thoughts are with all those grieving. To save lives and protect the NHS, please #StayHome.”

Yesterday Scotland recorded its highest daily number of coronavirus deaths. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said yesterday that 93 virus-related deaths had been recorded in the past 24 hours – more than the previous daily high of 84.

READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon confirms Covid deaths surpass records in Scotland

Speaking during the Scottish Government’s daily coronavirus briefing, Sturgeon said the high death toll would “undoubtedly include some people who died over the Christmas and New Year period and the delay in registration because of the bank holidays means that their deaths are only being reported today.”

The First Minister also warned that the NHS is coming under increased pressure. She said further restrictions may be necessary, if the situation doesn’t improve.