FIRST Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced there will be no changes to the current Covid-19 levels in each local authority area this week.

However, speaking during her weekly update to the Scottish Parliament, she said next week’s update is likely to be more “substantial”.

After announcing another 34 people in Scotland have died with Covid-19, the First Minister explained that the fact the level of the virus is “higher than we need it to be”, leading to pressures on the health service, prompted the Government to keep areas where they are.

“Although we are encouraged by the impact current restrictions have had, the need to strengthen and solidify that progress means that we need to continue to take care and err on the side of caution,” she added.

READ MORE: Another 34 people die in Scotland after testing positive for Covid-19

However, the First Minister gave a warning for Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, explaining cases have increased sharply by 68% and 42% respectively.

She said the data in the level 2 areas will be considered by the chief medical officer and National Incident Management Team before any decisions are made.

“If this information justifies a move to level 3, we will set this out either at next week’s review or earlier if the situation merits it,” Sturgeon explained.

The other area the First Minister addressed in more detail was Dumfries and Galloway, another level 2 area. The data there is “indicative of a move to level 1 soon,” she said.

However she added: “The concern at the moment, in addition to general winter factors, is that it is bordered by areas with significant higher levels of infection. That is why the strong public health advice - which the Cabinet has accepted - is for it to remain in level 2 for now.”

More to follow