SCOTLAND has recorded the highest number of deaths of coronavirus patients in 24 hours since February, for the third day running.
Scottish Government figures show 50 people died within 28 days of first testing positive for Covid-19 in the past 24 hours. This is the highest figure since February 23, when 56 deaths were recorded.
It is the third day running which has seen the number of deaths reach such seven-month highs.
The 50 recorded on September 24 bring the total number of people who have died in Scotland under this measure to 8514.
READ MORE: Experts warn of growing global health crisis 'linked to climate change'
The news comes as 3667 new cases of Covid-19 were reported. In the past 24 hours, Scotland has had 46,217 new tests for Covid-19 report results, with an 8.5% positivity rate.
Across Scotland yesterday there were 1011 people in hospital with recently confirmed Covid-19. Of these, 79 were in intensive care.
In terms of the vaccination effort, 4,168,278 people have now received their first jag, while a total of 3,820,182 have also received their second dose.
Scotland has also started its vaccine booster programme, with certain people being offered a third dose. Figures on this part of the roll-out are not yet being provided.
Commenting on today's figures on Twitter, the First Minister said there was a clear need for "continued care" to be taken.
She wrote: "Cases continue to fall in [Scotland] but it always takes time for that to be followed by a fall in the numbers in hospital/ICU or, sadly, dying.
"Today’s number of deaths reminds us of the risks of this virus and the need for continued care. My condolences are with all those grieving loss."
Cases continue to fall in 🏴 but it always takes time for that to be followed by a fall in the numbers in hospital/ICU or, sadly, dying. Today’s number of deaths reminds us of the risks of this virus and the need for continued care. My condolences are with all those grieving loss https://t.co/bnYSI0rL4U
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) September 24, 2021
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here