Coronavirus death toll in Scotland now more than 2,000

MORE than 2,000 people have now died in Scotland after testing positive for coronavirus.

A total of 2,007 patients have died, according to the Health Protection Scotland figures released yesterday, up by 34 from 1,973 on Wednesday.

There have been 232 deaths in Tayside and 162 fatalities in Fife.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced the latest figures at her daily briefing.

It came a day after data published by the National Records of Scotland showed 3,213 people had died with confirmed or suspected coronavirus up to May 10.

Ms Sturgeon said 14,117 people have tested positive for the virus in Scotland, up by 188 from 13,929 the day before.

There are 71 people in intensive care with coronavirus or coronavirus symptoms, an increase of one on Wednesday, and 1,480 people are in hospital with confirmed or suspected Covid-19, a decrease of 54.

Since March 5, 3,253 people who have tested positive for coronavirus have been able to leave hospital.

The first minister also announced that about 250,000 free food parcels have so far been sent out to Scots who are shielding – those who are deemed to be most vulnerable to Covid-19.

There are about 175,000 people in this category, with more than 50,000 having signed up for the free delivery service.

Ms Sturgeon sought to reassure those shielding, telling them they would “not be forgotten about as we think about our next steps in tackling this virus and how we adapt to living with a new normal where this virus will be present for a long time”.