John Swinney stood in for Nicola Sturgeon today to give an update on the state of Covid in Scotland to Parliament. 

The first minister was absent from Parliament again this week as she continued with COP26 hosting duties, with the second week of the climate summit well underway. 

Last week health secretary Humza Yousaf echoed concerns raised by the first minister in a previous update regarding the rising numbers of hospitalisations with Covid, which reflected the virus's prevalence among the older population. 

Warnings were issued before COP suggesting that cases could surge after the summit due to the influx of people to the city. 

However, the Scottish government has repeatedly confirmed it is doing everything it can to mitigate the chances of a rise in infection rate. 

Following another Covid statement, here's what we learned from today's announcement...

1. Cases still hovering around 2,000 mark

A further 2,233 cases of Covid were recorded over the past 24-hours in Scotland, meaning cases continue to hover around the 2,000 mark. 

Cases have recently plateaued around this figure following a decline after a surge in the summer due to the easing of restrictions. 

2. 1 million Covid boosters and third vaccines

The deputy first minister confirmed that as of today, 1 million boosters and third vaccines had been administered in Scotland. 

3. Number of new cases holding at a concerningly high level 

There's a risk that the spread of the virus could surge again if the past pattern is anything to go by, according to John Swinney. 

He expressed concern that Covid case rates could rise in coming weeks due to Christmas mingling indoors and with loved ones as the weather gets colder and the festive period nearer. 

4. Cannot rule out "strengthening baseline" measures currently in place

He confirmed that the government was considering whether to extend the Covid certification scheme to indoor hospitality venues and other areas. 

However, the deputy first minister added that no decisions on this have yet been made. 

5. Review of baseline measures will take place a week today

The three weekly review of the measures currently in place will take place a week today, and John Swinney said they could not rule out reintroducing or strengthening measures. 

The deputy first minister also took the opportunity to urge people to stick to current guidelines, as well as getting vaccinated and taking regular lateral flow tests. 

6. Covid cases at COP around 0.1%

As of November 5, Covid positivity at COP26 based on lateral flow tests upon entry to the blue zone was around 0.1%. 

He acknowledged however we are only just past the halfway point of the conference and confirmed another update would be given following the end of the summit.