DEATH TOLL DOUB
Cases in Scotland rise by 39 to 266 with 71 in Glasgow
THE number of people who have died in Scotland as a result of the coronavirus has doubled to six in just 24 hours. Nicola Sturgeon made the tragic announcement during First Minister’s Questions this morning as she revealed a further 39 confirmed cases in Scotland.
That brings the total up to 266 positive COVID-19 cases – however added “that is likely to be an underestimate of the true prevalence of the infection across our society.”
Meanwhile, Greater Glasgow and Clyde remains the NHS health board with the highest number of cases – rising by 14 from 57 to 71.
That figure – announced by the Scottish Government at 2pm yesterday – is more than double the next highest health board in NHS Lothian, which has 35 cases.
Elsewhere, Lanarkshire has 33 cases, with Tayside sitting at 27.
Commenting on the fatalities, Ms Sturgeon said: “I want to put on record my thoughts to their loved ones at this incredibly painful time for them.”
The First Minister then addressed the ‘three objectives’ of the Government during the current pandemic – including drastically increasing the capacity of testing facilities in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dundee.
She said: “Firstly, to protect those who are most vulnerable and save lives.
“That’s why those admitted to hospital with Covid-19 symptoms or upper respiratory infection will be tested.
“Secondly, allowing critical workers to be at work unless they are actually ill, and there is work ongoing in all four nations to define that list of critical workers, but of course it includes those at the frontline of our NHS and social care services
“Thirdly, the objective of surveillance, to make sure we are able to monitor the prevalence of the infection across the population. Right now we have three labs, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dundee, that are operational.
“They currently have the capacity to do around 780 tests per day between them.
“We are currently working to expand capacity initially to enable up to 3000 tests to be done every day and that work is underway.”
Ms Sturgeon also revealed she hopes there will be new forms of testing available – including dipstick tests rather than swab tests, which she said will allow people to check themselves “much more quickly”.
Schools across the country are also to close, with Deputy First Minister John Swinney confirming that the Scottish exam diet will not go ahead this year.
Instead, a certification model using coursework, teacher assessment of estimated grades and prior attainment will be used.
Elsewhere, the number of people across the UK who have died after testing positive for the virus has risen to 137.
That comes following an increase of 29 deaths in England in the last 24 hours – as well as the three in Scotland and one in Northern Ireland.
A statement from NHS England said: “Patients were aged between 47 and 96 years old and had underlying health conditions.”
As of 3pm yesterday, 2692 people across the UK had tested positive for the disease.
At around 6.30pm yesterday, the government confirmed there had been 144 deaths in the UK.
Worldwide, 227, 743 people were diagnosed with COVID-19 by the same period – resulting in 9318 deaths.