The First Minister will address MSPs for the first time at Holyrood since Scotland left the levels system on August 9, however she has held a small number of Covid media briefings since then. No major changes have come into force in the last month but there is speculation that some lockdown restrictions could be reimposed in a bid to curve the recent surge in the virus.

       In the last seven days the record for the highest number of cases has been beaten three times with 6,029 reported on Tuesday.

       There were 585 patients in hospitals, up by 34 in a day, with 54 patients in intensive care, up two. This compares to earlier pandemic peaks of 2,053 in hospitals and 221 in intensive care.

       The highest number was reported on Sunday with 7,113 cases.

       While some restrictions could be reimposed, it is not believed there will be any drastic changes due to the success of the vaccine rollout across Scotland.

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       As of Tuesday 3,680,761, people had received both doses of a Covid vaccine.

       National clinical director Jason Leitch said his advice would be to “stop transmission” by curbing “indoor unventilated” places that attract crowds.

       Professor Leitch said: “Transmission happens indoors, unventilated, in crowds. So if you wanted to stop transmission, you need to think about areas that fit that criteria that you can just turn back a little bit.”

       When asked if that means pubs and nightclubs, he said that “might be where you start” but added that ministers would have to look at the economic implications of closing them again.

       Ms Sturgeon is expected to speak in Parliament around 2pm before opening the floor to questions from MSPs.

       Opposition and SNP/Green politicians will get to quiz the First Minister.

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