FIRST Minister Nicola Sturgeon has reacted to news that Scotland has broken its all-time record for most Covid cases in a single day for the second time this week.

On Monday June 28 the nation saw more than 3000 Covid cases recorded for the first time ever, with a new high of 3285 cases. The following day more than 3000 cases were recorded for the second time ever, with 3118 positive tests reported.

Now, on June 30, Scotland has recorded 3887 new Covid-19 cases, a new record high and just the third time the country has even seen more than 3000 in a single day.

Reacting to the news on Twitter, the First Minister urged caution, but said the impact of the Covid vaccine was "still clear".

READ MORE: Scotland sets new record high for Covid cases for second time in three days

Sturgeon wrote: "Today’s reported Covid figures show a further increase - however, the vaccination impact is still clear.

"Vaccines are now doing much of the work we needed heavy restrictions to do in the last wave. And thankfully, we continue to see a much lower burden of serious illness."

She went on: "We must care at this stage though, as we still have a significant [percentage] of the population not yet fully vaccinated. So, please: Abide by rules - especially on indoor meetings - and follow all health advice.

"Test regularly with LFDs [Lateral flow devices], particularly if you plan to visit someone."

LFDs are currently available to collect for free from participating pharmacies and give results within around 30 minutes.

The First Minister further urged people to get vaccinated against Covid-19 "as soon as you can", suggesting using nhsinform.scot to check or arrange appointments.

She added that the Government was moving ahead with the vaccine roll-out as rapidly as supplies, and clinical advice on the timing of the second dose, allowed.

Sturgeon concluded: "We continue to monitor cases - and, crucially, hospital/ICU numbers - carefully.

"However, by following all the advice, we all play a part in keeping country safe. Tomorrow’s figures will be published by @scotgov at 2pm as usual. My next media update is scheduled for Friday."

Public Health Scotland data shows that Dundee City is the nation's Covid "hotspot". The local authority area has a seven-day case rate per 100,000 people of 764.1.

Midlothian and East Lothian, the second and third worst-hit areas respectively, have rates of 658.7 and 653.7.

Scotland's third wave has put all but four areas of the country on seven-day case rates of above 150 per 100,000 of the population. These four are Moray, Orkney, Shetland, and Na h-Eileanan Siar.