Coronavirus in Scotland: 37 further Covid deaths and 887 new cases in 24 hours

New figures published show the death toll under this measure – of people who first tested positive for the virus within the previous 28 days – has risen to 3,496.

The daily test positivity rate is 5.9%, up from 4.8% on the previous day.

A total of 87,247 people have now tested positive in Scotland, up from 86,630.

Of the new cases, 234 are in Greater Glasgow and Clyde, 246 in Lanarkshire, and 140 in Lothian.

There are 1,193 people in hospital confirmed to have the virus, down by 41 in 24 hours.

Of these patients, 100 are in intensive care, up by 12.

Meanwhile, 11 Scotland Under-21 football players have been instructed to self-isolate after three tested positive for Covid-19.

Players began returning to their clubs on Thursday following Scotland Under-21s' defeat in Greece on Tuesday and it is understood that players from three Scottish Premiership clubs subsequently tested positive.

A Scottish Football Association statement read: "Following the return of the Scotland Under-21s squad on Wednesday, the Scottish FA has been informed that three players have since tested positive for Covid-19 during their routine pre-match testing at their respective clubs.

"A meeting involving the Scottish Government's Covid experts took place this morning and after reviewing all relevant information from the under-21 team manager and Covid officer, they identified a further eight players and two staff members considered to be close contacts.”

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