The latest figures from the Scottish Government has revealed that Orkney has recorded its highest total positive Covid cases in 24 hours since the pandemic began.
Circulation among the residents of Orkney has been relatively low compared to mainland Scotland
However, in the past 24 hours the islands have recorded 55 new cases.
The previous highest total for Orkney was 17, recorded on Monday, October 25, 2021.
NHS Grampian recorded a drop in cases from 331 cases yesterday to 252 cases on Thursday.
The most recent figures included 156 in Aberdeenshire, 63 in Aberdeen City and 33 in Moray.
Highland also recorded less cases than yesterday with 85 on Thursday compared to 149 yesterday.
Western Isles had 16 while Shetland had 8 new cases.
A total of 2,153 new cases were recorded in Scotland.
Another 20 people have also died following a coronavirus diagnosis. This includes one person in Aberdeenshire, Highland and the Western Isles.
People in Hospital and ICU
The number of people in hospital in Scotland continues its steady rise with seven more admitted to hospital with Covid-19.
This brings the total number of to 932.
A total of 79 people are in Grampian hospitals while there are 27 in Highland hospitals.
58 people are currently in intensive care with Covid-19.
Vaccine rollout
Vaccinations are believed to be continuing to provide the best protection against Covid-19 after the Scottish Government confirmed that no new restrictions are currently planned to be imposed during the winter period.
A total of 4,312,204 people have received their first dose of a Covid-19 vaccination and 3,900,427 have been fully vaccinated.
Over 500,000 Scots have also received a booster third jab to provide maximum protection from the virus this winter.
However, it is being claimed that almost 100,000 people who are eligible for a third dose have yet to have it.
The Scottish Government has been challenged by opposition leaders to speed up the rate of the booster programme.