Coronavirus in Scotland: John Swinney urges Scots to continue following rules as 343 test positive in 24 hours

A total of 343 people have tested positive for Covid in the last 24 hours in Scotland as the country records no new deaths.

Crowds flocked to Porty beach over Easter weekend as Covid rules across Scotland lifted picture: JPI Media

Figures published by the Scottish Government on Sunday indicate the daily test positivity rate is 2.7 per cent, up from 2.1 per cent on Saturday.

The death figures may be unusually low as there are no registry offices open on the weekend.

The latest figures come as Deputy First Minister John Swinney urged Scots to continue following coronavirus restrictions as rules ease over the Easter weekend.

The stay at home order was lifted on Friday and replaced with guidance to “stay local”, which urges people to remain within their local authority area.

Further easing will take place on Monday, with garden centres, homeware stores and click and collect services allowed to reopen, along with barbers and hairdressers.

On a visit to a garden centre in Perthshire, Mr Swinney said it is important to remember the virus is still circulating.

He added: “It’s absolutely wonderful to be out and about again. After the long winter months of being cooped up inside, I know everyone will be keen to get back to our more normal lives.

“We are seeing real progress in our fight against this dreadful pandemic. The hard sacrifices of the country – coupled with the fantastic effort of the vaccine programme getting jabs into arms of millions of Scots – is really paying dividends.

“While it’s great news that garden centres and hairdressers are allowed to reopen, everyone needs to bear in mind that it doesn’t mean the virus has gone away.”

He added: “The virus is down but it’s not yet out, and the last thing we need is to see it making a comeback and undoing all the progress from the massive effort and sacrifices we have all had to make.

“But being here today demonstrates that we are making very welcome steps back towards the normal life we all so dearly wish for.

“My message is simple – enjoy the latest relaxing of the rules but remember to look out for each other, too. Together we will beat this virus.”