Coronavirus latest: 175 new cases in Scotland as new contact tracing app downloaded 600,000 times

Speaking at her daily press briefing, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed a further 175 people have tested positive for Covid-19.

That represents 2.7% of those newly tested yesterday.

This takes the total number of positive cases in Scotland to 22,214.

No new deaths of people who have had a positive test result have been reported in the past 24 hours.

Greater Glasgow and Clyde

Ms Sturgeon said the provisional data indicates the breakdown of new cases is as follows:

NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde: 80
NHS Lanarkshire: 39
NHS Lothian: 24
NHS Ayrshire & Arran: 12

The remaining 20 are spread across six other health board areas.

The First Minister also said the case numbers in the NHS Lanarkshire area “is causing some particular concern today”.

The cases in the area are up 39 in 24 hours.

She raised the prospect of “some additional restrictions” in this area as a result.

This will be discussed at a meeting of public health officials today and Ms Sturgeon said any changes would be announced later.

600,000 downloads of new contact tracing app

Ms Sturgeon thanked people who have already downloaded the system which lets people know if they have been in close contact with someone who later tests positive.

She said it would be “particularly useful” for tracing people who have used public transport and “very valuable” to students arriving back at university and college.

As many people as possible downloading the app makes it increasingly useful, she added.

600,000 people have downloaded the app so far.

New six people rule does not apply to under 12s

Ms Sturgeon re-emphasised the new limit of six people from two households allowed to meet in Scotland from Monday.

But she said people should be following the rules now, and not just waiting until after the weekend.

She also explained that children under the age of 12 do not count towards the limit if they do not add a third household.

This rule would allow children’s birthday parties to go ahead as long as adults comply with measures.