Coronavirus in Scotland: Nicola Sturgeon ‘concerned’ over 160 new cases

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Nicola Sturgeon has voiced considerations after 160 extra folks examined constructive for coronavirus in Scotland.

The newest enhance in new cases follows 123 reported on Sunday, with numerous “clusters” throughout Scotland.

The primary minister stated the rise in cases was “partly the results of a higher variety of folks being examined”.

However she stated it was “undoubtedly a priority” and that any connection between cases was being “rigorously thought-about” by well being safety groups.

A complete of 69 of the new cases had been reported in the Larger Glasgow and Clyde space, with Ms Sturgeon saying “significantly shut consideration” was being paid to this.

Nonetheless, she confused that the constructive outcomes “nonetheless characterize lower than 1% of individuals newly examined yesterday”.

The variety of folks in hospital with the virus has elevated to 258, 5 of whom are in intensive care.

• Stay: Newest on coronavirus in Scotland

The primary minister stated it appeared the figures in the Glasgow space “appear to mirror numerous small clusters, fairly than one or two extra vital outbreaks”.

She stated ministers would contemplate whether or not any focused motion can be wanted in the realm, though she confused that this may not essentially imply an area lockdown – noting that “lockdown more and more means various things in completely different circumstances”.

One other 27 cases had been reported in Lanarkshire, 18 in Lothian, and eight in Ayrshire and Arran – with Ms Sturgeon warning that the latter “appear to be linked to indoor gatherings”.

Nonetheless, there have been simply 4 new cases in the Grampian space, with Ms Sturgeon saying this was “additional indication that the Aberdeen pub cluster is contained”.

The primary minister stated the truth that the variety of cases mirrored a rise in checks was “an necessary little bit of context to maintain in thoughts”.

However she added: “The quantity is a reminder to all of us that the virus continues to be a really actual threat, it’s a growth that considerations me and it’s one we’re taking significantly.”

The rise in cases comes as the newest easing of lockdown restrictions in Scotland comes into drive, with gyms and swimming swimming pools reopening.

Ms Sturgeon stated: “As we launch ourselves from lockdown, we launch the virus from lockdown too.

“Please comply with the steering – that is the one method we will make sure that these reopenings can occur safely, and so they do not spark a rise in transmission that might take us all again once more.

“The figures show very clearly that this virus continues to be current throughout the nation. The clusters we have now seen present it is going to unfold very quickly if it will get the possibility, and the admissions to intensive care final week remind us that the virus continues to be immensely harmful for some folks.”