Coronavirus latest: Highest Scottish death tally recorded since May and tier system to be reviewed next week

Nicola Sturgeon addresses her daily briefing.

Scotland has recorded 50 new Coronavirus-related deaths in the past 24 hours – the highest since May 20.

A total of 4,649 people have died in Scotland with confirmed or suspected coronavirus, according to the National Records of Scotland (NRS).

Speaking at her daily briefing, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said 68,444 people have now tested positive in Scotland, up from 67,011 the previous day, an increase of 1433 new cases.

The figures show 167 deaths relating to Covid-19 were registered between October 26 and November 1, an increase of 61 from the previous week, and the highest instance of Covid-19 deaths since May.

There were 51 deaths in Greater Glasgow and Clyde, 51 in Lanarkshire and 18 in Ayrshire and Arran.

Over two-thirds of those who died in the latest week were aged 75 and over, while 8% were aged under 65.

1,257 patients are in hospital with a confirmed case (up three), with 94 being treated in intensive care (up two).

Furlough payments

Ms Sturgeon said she welcomes the current UK-wide extension of furlough payments to 2 December.

She said the Scottish government continues to make the case that the same level of furlough support must be available after November.

She added there can’t be a situation where businesses are fully supported when England goes into lockdown but that support is not available if Scotland does.

Rishi Sunak has extended UK furlough payments until December 2.

“I very much welcome the apparent commitment of the prime minister to equal treatment that he gave in the House of Commons on Monday afternoon,” she continued.

She hopes the furlough scheme will be available in Scotland at its current levels if stronger restrictions are required here in the future.

The first minister said she wants to see an end to the current confusion and lack of clarity from the Treasury.

First review of tier system to be reviewed next week

The first minister says the first review of the levels system is due next Tuesday.

She said she is calling on all of us to abide by the rules and points out none of us are powerless in terms of tackling the spread of the virus.

Ms Sturgeon also reminded us of the rules and the new five-level system of coronavirus restrictions that has come into effect in Scotland.

The first minister called on us to continue following the FACTS.

Chief fire officer: “Be kind, smart and safe on Bonfire Night.”

Addressing the briefing, Scotland’s chief fire officer urged people to “be kind, smart and safe” with fireworks and ahead of Bonfire Night.

Last year saw fire officers attend 760 incidents within 24 hours, including many “deliberate” fires, Martin Blunden continued.

Fireworks light up the sky in Edinburgh during the Hogmanay New Year celebrations (David Cheskin/PA Wire) — Public fireworks and Bonfire Night celebrations have been cancelled across Scotland in light of Coronavirus restrictions.

He said he expects with public events cancelled due to Covid restrictions, many will be tempted to hold displays in their own gardens – but people should be considerate of those with sensory impairments, people with autism, older people and animals that could be affected.

Mr Blunden said advice on firework safety can be found on the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s website – but highlighted the following: