Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed no immediate changes to Covid restrictions are planned as Scotland heads into a “fragile” winter period – but says some hospitals are at capacity.
The first minister says rules like wearing face coverings in shops will remain in place.
She says that a decline in case numbers has levelled off with a slight rise in recent weeks.
Speaking in parliament ahead of the COP26 climate conference, amid fears of a rise in cases during the event, she said: “I can confirm the cabinet agreed to keep the current regulations in place, with no immediate changes.
“This reflects our assessment that, although the situation is greatly improved since August, it remains fragile as we head into the winter period.”
She added: “The entire health and care system is currently under considerable pressure – arguably more pressure than at any previous stage of the pandemic.
“Across the country hospitals are at, or close to, capacity. These pressures are likely to intensify during the winter.
“We know that with people meeting indoors more often – or travelling by public transport rather than walking – there are more opportunities for Covid to circulate.
“This could lead to a further rise in cases.”
Latest Covid stats in Scotland
Ms Sturgeon has been speaking as the latest public health data shows another 2,262 new cases of coronavirus across the country.
The latest figures published by the Scottish Government show the daily test positivity rate is11.5%, up from 10.3% the previous day. The case tally in Tayside and Fife has risen by 412.
The government data also shows a further 20 new deaths among those who recently tested positive for the virus, taking the Scottish death toll to 9,072.
Of these deaths, one is in Dundee and one was in Fife. No deaths have been reported in Angus or Perth and Kinross.
There are 917 people in hospital with recently confirmed Covid-19, up 15 in 24 hours, with 59 in intensive care, up two.
So far, 4,309,932 people have received their first dose of a Covid-19 vaccination and 3,897,133 have received a second dose.