Nicola Sturgeon said she was hopeful of still being able to lift covid restrictions next month despite record numbers of positive cases.

The First Minister said that while numbers were rising faster than before, vaccinations were working.

She reported another 3118 positive cases recorded yesterday.

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She also said there were 215 people in hospital with Covid, an increase of 13.

There were 20 people in intensive care and one more death.

She said however, there were fewer people being admitted to hospital and of those who are, more of them are spending less time in hospital.

She said: "We remain hopeful of lifting restrictions on July 19 and ultimately August 9."

Sturgeon urged people to follow the rules and guidance until it was possible to lift them.

She said: "My appeal is a serious one; while we work hard to get people vaccinated please help us by keeping the virus at bay.

"We are so close, not just to seeing the light, but reaching the light at the end of the tunnel. Let's redouble our efforts for the next few weeks to ensure we get there."

"With cases levels so high it is vital we play our part in slowing the virus down while the vaccines do their work."

She added: "Keep the heid, keep doing the things we know we should be doing."