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 is 11.5%, up from 10.3% the previous day.
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.
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.
Across the north-east, there have been 271 new cases in the last 24 hours, while 85 people who have tested recently for the virus remain in hospital for treatment.
A further 90 people in the Highlands have also tested positive for Covid in the last day and another two people with the virus have died.
NHS Shetland has recorded five new cases since yesterday, while Orkney and the Western Isles have reported four and 11 respectively.