SCOTLAND has recorded six coronavirus deaths and 1505 new cases in the past 24 hours, the latest Scottish Government figures show.
It brings the death toll under the daily measure – of people who first tested positive for the virus within the previous 28 days – to 7848.
The daily test positivity rate is 6.4%, up from 6% the previous day.
READ MORE: Health board to 'prioritise urgent care for vulnerable' amid pandemic pressure
A total of 502 people were in hospital on Thursday with recently confirmed Covid-19, up 14 on the previous day, with 57 patients in intensive care, down one.
So far, 3,992,327 people have received the first dose of a Covid-19 vaccination and 3,044,803 have received their second dose.
It comes as Nicola Sturgeon confirmed changes to coronavirus self-isolation rules in Scotland to help key industries cope with “significant” staff shortages.
Key workers in critical roles will be able to avoid self-isolation after close contact with Covid-19 if they are fully vaccinated and tested daily.
READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon sets out changes to isolation rules for 'limited' situations
The First Minister said the Scottish Government would now consider applications for exemptions from the requirement to stay at home for up to 10 days that results from being a close contact of someone who has tested positive for Covid-19.
The change is aimed at allowing what are described as “essential staff in critical roles” to return to work to provide “lifeline services and critical national infrastructure”, the Scottish Government said.
Exemptions will only be granted to those who have had both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine, if the second dose was administered at least two weeks ago. They will also require to have a negative PCR test and do daily lateral flow tests.
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