SCOTLAND has recorded more than 5000 coronavirus cases for the first time since the pandemic started, according to Scottish Government data.

It comes after Scotland recorded a new record high of 4323 coronavirus cases yesterday.

The percentage of tests that returned positive in the last 24 hours was 11%. 

Five further deaths have been reported among those who tested positive for the virus over the past 28 days, which is five fewer than yesterday.

The total death toll according to the measure used by the Scottish Government therefore stands at 8085.

The daily statistics differ from weekly National Records of Scotland figures released earlier today as those include all deaths where coronavirus is mentioned on the death certificate, at 10,505 as of Sunday.

A total of 391 people were in hospital on Tuesday with recently confirmed Covid-19, up by 27 on the previous day, with 44 patients in intensive care, up one.

So far, 4,088,894 people have received the first dose of a Covid-19 vaccination and 3,603,429  have had their second.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon commented on the increase, tweeting: "Another sharp rise in number of cases today (tho % positivity is lower than y’day, reflecting more tests). Vaccines still protecting against serious illness, but we all need to take care and act in a way that minimises risk of getting/spreading the virus."

She urged people to get their vaccine, wear face coverings, keep to hygiene measures, stay a safe distance away from others, stay outdoors if possible and ventilate spaces.