Nicola Sturgeon update: What time will First Minister make statement setting out further measures to tackle ‘rapid increase in Covid cases’

The Scottish Government is to reconvene on Monday morning, after concerns were raised about how rapidly the new strain of Covid-19 is spreading.

Ms Sturgeon confirmed she would be recalling Parliament on Monday afternoon, to discuss further measures due to “a rapid increase in Covid cases” causing “very serious concerns”.

Scotland has seen an increase of 2,464 new Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours.

As of December 31, 4,578 people who tested positive for Covid-19 have died.

The Cabinet is expected to be recalled on Monday morning to discuss any additional measures that may be required to stop the spread of coronavirus.

In a series of tweets on Sunday, Ms Sturgeon said: “The rapid increase in Covid cases, driven by the new variant, is of very serious concern.

“The steep increases and severe NHS pressure being experienced in other parts of the UK is a sign of what may lie ahead. So we must take all steps to slow spread while vaccination progresses.

“We, like other countries, are in a race between this faster spreading strain of Covid and the vaccination programme.

“As we work to vaccinate as quickly as possible, we must also do more to slow down the virus – to save lives and help the NHS care for all those who need it.

“Following a meeting of the Scottish government resilience committee yesterday to assess latest situation, the Cabinet will meet tomorrow am to consider further action to limit spread and I’ve asked for Scottish Parliament to be recalled tomorrow afternoon so that I can set out our decisions in a statement.

“All decisions just now are tough, with tough impacts. Vaccines give us way out, but this new strain makes the period between now and then the most dangerous since start of pandemic.

“So the responsibility of government must be to act quickly and decisively in the national interest.”

This is just the fifth time Parliament has been recalled and the second time within the last four weeks.

Previously, it was convened after the deaths of Donald Dewar in October 2000 and the Queen Mother in April 2002.

It was also reconvened following the release of Abdelbaset al-Megrahi, in 2009.

The First Minister added: “For now, please continue to take Covid seriously – it is a real threat to life and health and, if it runs out of control, it damages the economy more too.

“Please stay at home as much as possible and avoid non essential interactions with other households. Thank you.”

When is Nicola Sturgeon speaking?

The First Minister will make a statement around 2pm, followed by questions.

How do I watch watch Nicola Sturgeon’s Covid-19 update?

Viewers can watch live on Scottish Parliament TV and follow the First Minister’s Live YouTube Stream as well as the Scottish Government's official Twitter page – @scotgov.

As ever, The Scotsman is running a LIVE BLOG, where you can follow all the updates.

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