Fifty further people have died after testing positive for Covid-19 across Scotland.
The number of fatalities is the highest recorded in a day since since February 23, when 56 people died having tested positive for the virus.
It is the third day in a row that the number of deaths is above 30 – with 37 reported on Thursday and 31 on Wednesday.
Four of the latest deaths recorded were in Fife, with none in Angus, Dundee or Perth and Kinross.
It takes the total since last March to 8,514. This figure relates to people who died having tested positive for the virus within the previous 28 days.
The latest statistics also show that 3,667 new cases of the virus have been identified in the latest 24-hour period.
There are currently 1,011 coronavirus patients in hospital and 79 are being treated in intensive care.
The total number of positive cases since the pandemic began is now at 550,090.
Meanwhile 4,168,278 people have now had their first vaccination and 3,820,182 having received their second jab.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon says that while cases “continue to fall” in Scotland, it “takes time for that to be followed by a fall in the numbers in hospital/ICU or, sadly, dying”.
Cases continue to fall in 🏴 but it always takes time for that to be followed by a fall in the numbers in hospital/ICU or, sadly, dying. Today’s number of deaths reminds us of the risks of this virus and the need for continued care. My condolences are with all those grieving loss https://t.co/bnYSI0rL4U
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) September 24, 2021
She tweeted to say her condolences are with the loved ones of those who have died, and that “today’s number of deaths reminds us of the risks of this virus and the need for continued care”.
It comes after Ms Sturgeon announced on Tuesday that people attending large-scale events and nightclubs in Scotland will have to show Covid-19 vaccine passports from October 1.
It means that staff at venues including football grounds will be expected to check the Covid vaccination status of people attending – although not every supporter will be checked under the guidelines set out.
She insists “a pragmatic and sensible approach will be taken to each piece of guidance” – and is urging venues to “use common sense”.
A Covid status app will be made available – but people can also request a paper copy.
At smaller events, it is likely that everyone’s vaccine record will need to be checked.
However at bigger events organisers will be expected to carry out “a reasonable number of checks”.
Ministers have vowed to keep the measures under review.
