Number of confirmed Covid-19 deaths rises by five in Scotland

MORE than 1,570 people have now died in Scotland due to coronavirus, with 1,411 positive cases in Tayside, an increase of one compared with the day before.

The latest Scottish Government figures also show the total number of patients in hospital is 92, four more than Sunday.

There are fewer than five people being treated in intensive care, the same as the day before.

Meanwhile, in Fife there are 778 confirmed cases, 125 patients in hospital, six of whom are in ICU.

The latest Scottish Government figures also show the total number of confirmed Covid-19 deaths across Scotland is 1,576, up from 1,571.

About 61,696 people in Scotland have now been tested for the virus, with the total number of confirmed cases sitting at 12,266.

The Greater Glasgow and Clyde area has the highest number of cases in Scotland with 3,029.

The figures came as Nicola Sturgeon said it was “very likely” lockdown measures will be extended beyond a scheduled review this week as she revealed Scottish officials were not involved in drafting a new UK plan to ease restrictions.

The first minister said although “real and significant progress” had been made to tackle the coronavirus pandemic, there remains too great a risk of it running out of control.

Speaking at her daily briefing yesterday, Ms Sturgeon admitted she “can’t say for certain right now” whether she will be able to announce any easing of measures before May 28, the end of the next review period.

The first minister said she was also “pretty certain” she would be unable to announce any meaningful changes when the current period comes to an end on Thursday because the rate of transmission is still too high.