FOUR more coronavirus deaths were reported in Scotland yesterday, as the number of cases of the virus increased by 764.

Figures released by the Scottish Government also show 191 people were in hospital with recently confirmed Covid-19, including 23 in intensive care. The 764 cases represent 12.4% of newly tested individuals and a fall of 11 on the previous day’s total.

A warning was issued yesterday that a so-called “circuit breaker” lockdown remains a possibility for Scotland. Doctors’ leaders have said that the NHS is set to experience its most difficult winter since it was founded in 1948, due to the pressure caused by coronavirus.

Scotland’s clinical director Professor Jason Leitch said that in the last week 17 people had gone to intensive care which was a “very, very loud warning bell” that the pandemic is worsening.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde health board area reported 299 new cases, with 152 in NHS Lanarkshire and 143 in NHS Lothian. Over the past seven days, 3692 cases have been recorded in Scotland.

The chairman of BMA Scotland’s GP committee has warned the pressure caused by coronavirus could cause the system to “overheat”.

Dr Andrew Buist said expectations about what the NHS could provide would have to change until a vaccine for Covid-19 was found. He said: “I’m quite worried about the current situation and what may come next. We are facing a very difficult four of five months, until we have a Covid vaccine.

“The whole system is going to overheat and I’ve said this to [Health Secretary] Jeane Freeman. We need to have a conversation with the public about their expectations.”

Resources should be prioritised for patients with “significant problems”, he said, until a vaccine for Covid-19 was found.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Our NHS remains open with public health measures in place to protect staff and patients.

“It is as important as ever to seek advice from NHS Inform whenever you feel unwell or speak with your GP at the earliest possible time if you have serious health concerns or symptoms.

“Emergency departments are available for people requiring medical attention in emergencies.

“As we have repeated throughout the pandemic, everyone should continue to attend regular check-ups and appointments when invited to do so.

“Everyone who is registered with a GP practice in Scotland, or who lives in Scotland, is also encouraged to use their local pharmacy if they have a minor illness or common condition.”

A further 42 people who tested positive for coronavirus have died in hospital in England, NHS England said yesterday, bringing the total number of confirmed deaths reported in hospitals to 30,138.

Patients were aged between 44 and 100 years old. Three patients, aged between 49 and 82, had no underlying health conditions.

Meanwhile, a member of staff at a Dundee nursery has tested positive for the virus The case at Jessie Porter Nursery is being investigated and the headteacher has contacted all parents directly to inform them of the situation.

Dr Ellie Hothersall, a local public health medicine consultant, said: “NHS Tayside, Dundee City Council and partners have been working closely to investigate the case.”